
GlassXl 
Book.' 



TRAGICAL TALES, 



OTHER POEMS: 



i;\ 



GEORGE TURBERVILE. 



REPRINTED FROM THE EDITION OF M.D.LXXXVU. 



EDINBURGH: 

PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION. 
M.DCCC.XXXVII. 



R 












EDINBURGH PRINTING COMPANY. 






Ito^atavf? frtt'ce. 




T is to the indefatigable industry of Antony a Wood that 
we are indebted for almost the only information we pos- 
sess relative to George Turberville, author of the ensuing 
collection of Tragical Tales, Epitaphs, and Sonnets. He was 
"a younger son of Nich. Turbervile of Whitechurch in Dor- 
setshire, son of Henry Turbervile of the said place, and he, 
the fifth son of Joh. Turbervile of Bere-Regis (a right an- 
cient and genteel family) in Dorsetshire, was born in 
Whitchurch, before mentioned, educated in Wykeham's 
school near Winchester, became perpetual fellow of New 
College, 1561, left it, before he was graduate, the year 
following, and went to one of the Inns of Court, where 
he was much admired for his excellencies in the art of 
poetry. Afterwards being esteemed a person fit for busi- 
ness, as having a good and ready command of his pen, he 
was entertained by Tho. Randolph, Esq. to be his secre- 
tary, when he received commission from Queen Elizabeth 



iv PREFATORY NOTICE. 

to go ambassador to the Emperor of Russia * After our author's 
arrival at that place, he did, at spare hours, exercise his muse, 
and wrote — 

" Poems, describing the Places and Manners of the Coun- 
try and People of Russia, Anno 1568/'f 

These will be found in the present volume. They are ex- 
ceedingly curious, and give a very extraordinary idea of the bar- 
barous state of society in Russia. One of the epistles, for so 
he terms them, is inscribed to Edmund Spenser, with whom 
he was in habits of intimacy 4 Many of his minor poems are 
either addressed from Moscovia, or refer to his visit to that 
country. " After his return," continues Wood, " he was esteemed 

6 Henry, the fifth son of John Turberville of Bere-Regis, and Isabel Cheverel de 
Whitchurch, married Jane, daughter of Thomas Bamfylde, in the county of Somerset, 
and by her had Nicholas, George, and Henry (Hutchins' Dorset, page 67). Nicholas 
succeeded his father in his estate of Winterborn, Whitchurch, in the county of Dorset, 
and married a daughter of Morgan of Maperton, by whom he had two sons. Whether 
this branch of the Turberville still exists, is uncertain ; but their estate, originally acquired 
through the Cheverells, afterwards passed to the Tulfords of Toller, and was purchased 
from Francis Tulford, Esq. by Bennet Comb, Esq. Another family of the same name 
was once settled in Glamorganshire ; but it appears to be extinct in the male line, from 
the following notice of the demise of Richard Turbervill, Esq., taken from the Gentle- 
man's Magazine: — " July 2, 1817. — At Ewenny Abbey, Glamorganshire, R. Turbervill, 
Esq. He was the eldest brother of the late Sir Thomas Picton, and, like the rest of his fa- 
mily, entered into the army when very young. He was a brigade-major at the siege of 
Gibraltar, where he distinguished himself upon many important occasions; but his health be- 
ing much impaired, he was obliged to retire from service. He was descended by his mo- 
ther's side from Sir Richard do Turbervill, one of William the Conqueror's twelve knights, 
who first founded the abbey, where his posterity have continued during a period of so many 
centuries." 

f Wood's Athena? Oxonienses, Bliss's edition. Lond. 1813. 4to. Vol. i. p. 627. 

t P. 375. 



PREFATORY NOTICE. v 

a most accomplished gentleman, and his company was much 
sought after and desired by all men, especially, upon his publi- 
cation of his labours, entitled 

"Epitaphs, Epigrams, Songs, and Sonnets, 1570, 8vo. Some, 
if not most of which, were published a little before that time 
[in 8vo. 1567]. This book was the same, as I conceive, which 
was printed with additions under his name, in 8vo, anno 1587, 
with this title — 

" Tragical Tales, Epitaphs, and Sonnets, &c." 
In this supposition, however, the industrious antiquary is 
mistaken, as the two publications are distinct* — the latter 
being the one from which the present limited reprint has 
been taken. f From this mistake of Wood, it is plain that the 
Tragical Tales must have been exceedingly rare even in his 
time. 

Turbervile was also the translator of the " Efflogs of the 
Poet B. Mantuan Carmelitan turned into English verse, and 
set forth with the argument to every Egloge." Of this work, 
which is in duodecimo, there were two editions printed at 
London, one in 1567, the other in 1594. Pie also, about the 
same time, gave a metrical version of the " Heroical Epistles of 

* The former work is reprinted, very inaccurately and carelessly, in Chalnier's edition 
of the Poets. 

■f From a copy presented by William Drummond, the Poet, to the University of Edin- 
burgh — probably the only one in Scotland — and the use of which was very obligingly given 
by Dr Brunton and the other curators of the library for the present republication. 



iv PREFATORY NOTICE. 

to go ambassador to the Emperor of Russia* After our author's 
arrival at that place, he did, at spare hours, exercise his muse, 
aud wrote — 

" Poems, describing the Places and Manners of the Coun- 
try and People of Russia, Anno 1568."f 

These will be found in the present volume. They are ex- 
ceedingly curious, and give a very extraordinary idea of the bar- 
barous state of society in Russia. One of the epistles, for so 
he terms them, is inscribed to Edmund Spenser, with whom 
he was in habits of intimacy .% Many of his minor poems are 
either addressed from Moscovia, or refer to his visit to that 
country. " After his return," continues Wood, " he was esteemed 

6 Henry, the fifth son of John Turberville of Bere-Regis, and Isabel Cheverel de 
Whitchurch, married Jane, daughter of Thomas Bamfylde, in the county of Somerset, 
and by her had Nicholas, George, and Henry (Hutchins' Dorset, page 67). Nicholas 
succeeded his father in his estate of Winterborn, Whitchurch, in the county of Dorset, 
aud married a daughter of Morgan of Maperton, by whom he had two sons. Whether 
this branch of the Turberville still exists, is uncertain ; but their estate, originally acquired 
through the Cheverells, afterwards passed to the Tulfords of Toller, and was purchased 
from Francis Tulford, Esq. by Bonnet Comb, Esq. Another family of the same name 
was once settled in Glamorganshire ; but it appears to be extinct in the male line, from 
the following notice of the demise of Richard Turbervill, Esq., taken from the Gentle- 
man's Magazine: — " July 2, 1817- — At Ewenny Abbey, Glamorganshire, R. Turbervill, 
Esq. He was the eldest brother of the late Sir Thomas Picton, and, like the rest of his fa- 
mily, entered into the army when very young. He was a brigade-major at the siege of 
Gibraltar, where he distinguished himself upon many important occasions; but his health be- 
ing much impaired, he was obliged to retire from service. He was descended by his mo- 
ther's side from Sir Richard de Turbervill, one of William the Conqueror's twelve knights, 
who first founded the abbey, where his posterity have continued during a period of so many 
centuries." 

| Wood's Athens Oxonienses, Bliss's edition. Lond. 1813. 4to. Vol. i. p. G27. 

X P. 375. 



PREFATORY NOTICE. v 

a most accomplished gentleman, and his company was much 
sought after and desired by all men, especially, upon his publi- 
cation of his labours, entitled 

" Epitaphs, Epigrams, Songs, and Sonnets, 1570, 8vo. Some, 
if not most of which, were published a little before that time 
[in 8vo. 1567]. This book was the same, as I conceive, which 
was printed with additions under his name, in 8vo, anno 1587, 
with this title — 

" Tragical Tales, Epitaphs, and Sonnets, &c." 
In this supposition, however, the industrious antiquary is 
mistaken, as the two publications are distinct* — the latter 
being the one from which the present limited reprint has 
been taken.f From this mistake of Wood, it is plain that the 
Tragical Tales must have been exceedingly rare even in his 
time. 

Turbervile was also the translator of the " Eglogs of the 
Poet B. Mantuan Carmelitan turned into English verse, and 
set forth with the argument to every Egloge." Of this work, 
which is in duodecimo, there were two editions printed at 
London, one in 1567, the other in 1594. He also, about the 
same time, gave a metrical version of the " Heroical Epistles of 

* The former work is reprinted, very inaccurately and carelessly, in Chaluier's edition 
of the Poets. 

| From a copy presented by William Drummond, the Poet, to the University of Edin- 
burgh — probably the only one in Scotland — and the use of which was very obligingly given 
by Dr Brunton and the other curators of the library for the present republication. 



vi PREFATORY NOTICE. 

the learned Poet, Publius Ovidius Naso, with Aulus Sabinus' 
Answers to certain of the same," of which, according to Dr Bliss, 
there were no less than four editions — three in the years 1567, 
1569, and 1600, and one without date. 

Wood continues, " The said Eclogues were afterwards 
translated by another hand, but not without the help of that 
translation of Turbervile, though not acknowledged. The per- 
son that performed it was Thomas Harvey, who writes himself 
Gent. ; but whether the same Thomas Harvey, who was Master 
of Arts, the first Master of Kingston School in Herefordshire, 
founded 1620, and the author of the Synagogue, in imitation 
of divine Herbert, I know not." 

The same author afterwards observes, that he finds "one George 
Turbervile to be author of — (1.) Essays Politic and Moral. 
Printed 1608, in oct. (2.) The Book of Falconry or Hawk- 
ing, &c. heretofore published by G. Turbervile, gentleman, and 
now newly reviv'd, corrected, and augmented by another hand. 
Lend. 1611 [Bodl. 4to. p. 69. Jur.], adorn'd with various 
cuts. With this book is printed and bound,' The Noble Art 
of Venery or Hunting, &c. ' translated and collected out of 
the best approv'd authors, which have writ any thing concern- 
ing the same, &c. Loud. 1611, adorn'd with wooden cuts 
as the former. There is no name set to this translation, only 
George Gascoigne hath verses commendatory before it.' Whe- 
ther George Turbervile, before mentioned, was the author of 



PREFATORY NOTICE. vii 

the said two books, or another of both his names, who was a 
Dorsetshire-man, born a commoner of Gloucester Hall, anno 
1581, aged 18, or a third, G. Turbervile, who was born in the 
said county, and became a student in Magclalane Hall, 1595, 
aged 17, I cannot justly tell you, unless I could see and peruse 
the said two books, of which I am, as yet, totally ignorant." 

There seems to be little doubt that Turbervile the Poet was the 
compiler of the book of Falconry and Hawking ; but from its 
having been announced as revived, corrected, and augmented 
by another hand, it may be presumed that the original Editor 
or Compiler was dead prior to the year 1611. Of a book on 
such popular subjects, there must, no doubt, have been earlier 
editions ; but the only one the Editor has traced is that noticed 
in the Censura Literaria (vol. x. p. 122), " Imprinted at London, 
for Chr. Baker, at the signe of the Grashoper, in Paules Church- 
yarde, 1575." — 4to. In this edition are a few poetical pieces 
by Turbervile, and in particular some spirited verses in com- 
mendation of Hawking. In these is the following account of 
the fashionable sports and games of the day : — 

" To dice, to daunce, to coll, to kisse, to carde the time away, 
To prate, to prancke, to bowle, to bowse, and tipple out the day ; 
To checke at chesse, to heaue at maw, at macke to passe the time, 
At coses or at saunt to sit, or set their rest at prime. 
Both tick tacke and the Irish game are sports but made to spend. 
I wote not, I, to what auaile those trifling games do tend, 
Unlesse to force a man to chafe, to chide, to sweat, to sweare, 
To brawle, to ban, to curse, and God in thousand parts to teare. 



viii PREFATORY NOTICE. 

At cockepit some their pleasures place, to wager wealth away. 
Where Falconers only force the fields, to hear their spanels bay. 
What greater glee can man desire than by his cuning skill 



Dr Bliss informs us, that amongst Rawlinson's MSS. there are 
" two copies of a translation of Tasso's Godfrey of Bolloing, by 
Sir G. T.," which is conjectured, in a MS. note, to be the initials 
of Sir George Turbervile, " who was certainly, and I think with 
justice, considered the translator by Dr Rawlinson." It is also 
stated, that the MS. was evidently intended, and prepared, for 
the press. " In one place there are even hints of heads for sculp- 
ture, perhaps intended as a companion for Harrington's Orlando 
Furioso." That the author of the Tragical Tales was ever 
knighted is exceedingly problematical, as in none of his printed 
works lias he been so designed, and we should therefore be 
very much inclined to doubt that this translation was by him. 

The period of Turbervile's demise is unknown, and honest 
Antony is unable to throw any light upon this point.* As before 
remarked, he probably died before the year 1611; for it is very 
unlikely, if he had been then in existence, he would have per- 



* Herbert, in his Typographical Antiquities, vol. ii. 1053, mentions that there was en- 
tered in the Stationers' book for the year 1579 " a Dittie of Mr Turbervyle murthered, 
and John Morgan that murthered him: with a letter of the said Morgan to his mother, 
and another to his sister Turbervyle ;" but as Wood asserts that " George Turbervill 
lived and was in great esteem in fifteen hundred and ninety-four," it is plain that the 
author of the Tragicall Tales could not have been the person murdered. 



PREFATORY NOTICE. ix 

mitted his work on Hawking and Hunting to have been brought 
out " by another hand." 

Turbervile's merits as a poet have been variously estimated. 
He has been praised by Puttenham in his Art of Poesie; and 
Sir John Harrington, the witty author of the Metamorphosis of 
Ajax, and translator of Ariosto — no mean authority — has the 
following lines in his commendation : — 



*& 



When times were yet but rude, thy pen endeavour'd 

To polish barbarism with purer style ; 
When times were grown most old, thy heart persever'd 

Sincere and just, unstained with gifts or guile. 
Now lives thy soul, though from thy corpse dissever'd 

There high in bliss, here clear in fame the while : 
To which I pay this debt of due thanksgiving ; 

My pen doth praise thee dead ; thine grac'd me living. 

More recently our author has been treated differently ; and 
in the Censura Literaria.,* where some very uninteresting notices 
of his works occur, Mr Park (the writer of them), after dismissing 
the Tragical Tales somewhat briefly, characterises the poetry of 
Turbervile as " of a dry uninteresting cast, and his amatory 
pieces bespeak him to have been a translator only of the passion 
of love. In the Epilogue of his Tragical Tales, he writes with 
becoming diffidence of his own poetical pretensions ; and while 
other adventurers on the stream of Helicon sail in mid-channel 

• Vol. i. 2d edit. Lond. 1815. 8vo. p. 319. 



x PREFATORY NOTICE. 

with the current, he seems content to have paddled along its 
banks, like a sculler who rows against the tide." 

How far this criticism is just, a perusal of the present work 
will enable the reader to judge. The Editor may only remark, 
that he can at least claim these merits for his author — that the 
versification is generally harmonious, and that not a few of the 
passages possess the energy and vigour which are characteristic 
of the poetry of the Elizabethan era. 

In conclusion, it may be observed, that the Tales are mostly 
taken from Boccaccio, and the plots, consequently, must be 
familiar to those who are conversant with the writings of that 
inimitable novelist. 

The present reprint is strictly limited to Fifty Coties, for 
Private Circulation. 

Edinburgh, 10//; June 1S37. 




TO THE WORSHIP- 

full his louing brother, Nicho- 
las Turberuile, Esquire. 




jft LBEIT your many and great curtesies be- 



stowed on me, deserue sundry, and no slender 
thankes from me: Neverthelesse, mine insuffi- 
ciencie pleading for mine excuse, and disabi- 
lilie dealing in my behalfe, doe hope to receiue 
from you no lesse good liking for a small re- 
quitall, than he that yeelds you a treble recompence. Let it suffise 
that I Hue no vnmindfidl man of your goodnesse, nor xvill be found 
vngratefull for your gentlenesse, if euer fortune fauour my desires, 
or alow me mean to make leuell with your good desarts. Till when, 
I present you this little bolce, as well the vndoubted badge of my 
good remembrance, as the greiest part of my slender substance. 
Following herein seabeaten soldiers, and miserable mariners, who 
in auncient age, after their happy ariuals, accustomed to hang vp 
in the temple before their sacred Goddes, their broken oarcs, and 
ragged sayles, with such like reliks, the assured monuments of their 



4 THE DEDICATION. 

lamentable fortunes and per/it pledges of late escaped dangers. 
V Vliich commendable custome of those thankfull Ethnicks I both alozv 
for good, and follow at this instant, as fully apperteyning to my pre- 
sent state, in dedicating to you these few Poeticall parers, and pen- 
sine Pamphlets, the ruful records of my former trauel, in the so- 
rowful sea of my late misadventures: which hauing the more sped i It/ 
by your carefull and brotherly endeuour, ouerpassed and escaped, 
could not but offer you this treatise in lieu of a more large liberalitie, 
and in steed of a greater gift, presuming of good acceptance at your 
handes, who haue alwayes been, my most assured shielde, and strong- 
est stay in all my life. Wherefore take these (I pray you) in no 
worse part than I meane them, and at leasure for your pleasure 
peruse them, excusing my lacke of learning, and brooking my want 
of cunning, both which defaults and imperfections might haue bene 
sufficient to haue staled my hastie hande: but that I euer chose rather 
to be reputed straungers vnskilfull, than to be condemned of my best 
frie tides for vngratefull : for the one proceedes for lacke of Industrie, 
but that other gr owes for want of human itie. I leaue to trouble you 
further, recommending you to the Tragicall tales, where if aught 
delight you, I pray you peruse it, if aught offend you, eftsoone re- 
fuse it: if any history deserue reading, of ' curtesie respect it: if any 
seeme vnworthy, doe boldly reiect it. Ifauour not the best so well, 
as I will wislie your trouble in surueying the euill, whose indeuour 
was onely to this ende, to doe you pleasure and sendee, for your 
auncient goodnesse towardes me, that am your bounden brother, and 
wholy to reast yours during life. 

George Turberuile. 




To his verie friend 



Ro. Baynes. 




Y worde, thy wish, my del, and thy desire, 
Imeane my booke (my Baynes; lo here I said 
To thee at last, as friendship doth require. 
Though reason willes it rather left vnpt nd, 
For that the same the Authour should not sht nd: 
But blush who lust, so thou do like the worke, 



I am content it shall no longer lurke. 



Peruse ech page as leysure ghees thee leaue, 
Reade ore each verse thus ragged as they lie, 
Let nothing slip whereby I may receiue 
The hatefull cliecke of curious readers eie: 
For well I know how haut thy muse doth fie : 
Wherefore I yeeld thisfoule mishapen Beare, 
Vnto thy choise, to tender or to teare. 



Wherein, if ought vnworth the presse thoufnde 
Vnsauorie, or that seemes vnto thy taste, 
Impute it to the troubles of my minde, 
Whose late mishap made this be hatcht in haste, 
By cloivdes of care best beauties be defaste: 
Likewise be icittcs and freshest heads to seekc, 
Which way to write, when fortune list to streeke. 



TO HIS FRIEND. 

Who knew my cares, who wist my wailefull woe, 

(As thou my friend art prime to the same j 

Or vnderstoode how griefe did ouergrow 

The pleasaunt plot which I for myrth did frame, 

Would beare with this, and quite me clean of blame. 

For in my life I neuer felt suchfittes, 

As whilst I wrote this zcorke did daunt my wittes. 

For as the Pilot in the wrathfull waue 

Beset with stormes, still beaten too and fro 

With boysteous bellowes, knowes not howe to saue 

His sielie barke, but lets the rudder goe, 

And yeeldes himself whither tempest list to blowe. 

So Iamid.de my cares had slender skill, 

To write in verse, but bowde to fortunes will. 

The more thy paine, thy trouble and thy toile, 
That must amend amisse eache faulte of mine, 
Yet grudge not ( Baynes ) with share to turne the soile, 

In sorte as though the same were irholie thine, 
The charge whereof, loe here I do resine 

For want of health, my friend at large to thee, 
Since that my limmes with greef surcharged be. 

Apollos lore I quite haue layde aside, 

And am enforst his Phisicke to peruse: 

I hate the Harpe, wherein was all my pride, 

I hunte for hearbes, I lothe Mineruas muse, 

My want of health, makes me my boohe refuse: 

The Morning rage that erst inspirde my braine, 

Saturnus chilling humour doth restraine. 



TO HIS FRIEND. 

Wherefore sith I confesse my want of skill, 

And am to seeke to better this my booke, 

See ( Baines) thou runne vnto Parnassus hill, 

To Helicon, or else that learned brooke, 

Which Pegase made, when lie the soile forsooke : 

For well thou knowst, where Clio and the rest, 

Do tune their Lutes and pipe with pleasant brest. 

I can no more, but for thy mickle paine, 

Yeeld thousand thankes vpou my naked knee, 

And if thou neede the like supply againe, 

. Issure thy selfe then I will pleasure thee : 

So friends vnto each other bounden be. 

(My Paynes) Adew, this little booke of mine, 

When thou hast done, may best be termed thine. 



Thy friend. 



George Turberuile. 




Ro. Baynes to the Reader, 

m the fine commendation 
of the Author. 




jHAT waight of graue aduice, what reson left vnsaught, 
What more, of Pallas braine hath tast, than Poets 

pens haue taught. 
Whose powdred saaes are mixt, with pleasure, and delight : 
W Aduising this, forewarning that, directing still the right. 
J^m Which vaine though Grecians first, and Romaines after 
found : 
Yet now the same in English phrase, doth gorgeously abound. 
A vertue lately wonne, to this our natiue soile : 

By such as seeke, their countrey praise, though to their greater toile. 
Among the rest, who hath, employed therein more paine ? 
Or who ? than Turberuill hath found, in verse a sweeter vaine ? 
Whose quill, though yet it tread, the path of greene delight : 
The same who vewes, shall find his lines, with learned reason dight. 
And as to elder age, his stayed braine shall grow : 
So falling from, his riper penne, more graue conceites may flow. 
The while, let ech man reape, the pleasure that he lends. 
The cost is free, his charge but small, an others wealth that spends. 
The subiect here, is such, as differs farre from pelfe : 
I deeme thee wise, thy iudgement good, the thing will praise it self. 



Qui nihil sperat nihil disperat. 




f The Authour here declareth 

the cause >r/n/ hee wrote these Hi- 

flories, and forewent the translation of 
the learned Poet Lucan. 




UNDERTOOKE Dan Lucans verfe, 

and raught. hys home in hand, 
To found out Ceefars blooddy broiles 

and Pompeis puifant bande : 
I meant to paint the haughtie hate 

of thofe two marihall men, 



And had in purpofe ciuill fwords 

of rufull Rome to pen : 
Of rufull Rome to penne the plagues 

when C*far fought to raigne, 
And Pompey pitying Countries fpoyle, 

would doe him downe againe. 



LO THE AUTHOUR 

I had begonne that hard attempt, 

to turne that fertile foyle. 
My bullocks were alreadie yokte, 

and flatly fell to toyle. 
Me thought they laboured meetlie well, 

tyll on a certaine night : 
I gazde fo long vpon my booke 

in bed by candle light, 
Till heauy fleep full flilie came 

and muffled fo mine eye, 
That I was forft with quill in hand 

in flumber downe to lie. 
To whom within a while appeard 

Melpomene, the Mufe, 
That to intreat of warlike wights, 

and dreadfull armes doth vfe. 
Who me beheld with graue regard, 

and countnance fraught with feare : 
And thus the gaftly Goddeffe fpake, 

her wordes in minde I beare. 
And art thou woxe fo wilfull, as 

thou feemeft to outward eye ? 
Darlte thou prefume, with ymped quilles 

fo prowde a pitch to flie ? 
Remember how fonde Phaeton farde, 

that vndertooke to guide 
Apollos charge, by meane of which 

that wilfull wanton dide. 



TO THE READER. 11 

Eare thou doe wade fo farre, reuoke 

to rainde to bedlam boy, 
That in his forged wings of waxe 

repofed too great a ioy: 
And foard fo neare the fcorching blaze 

of burning Phoebus brande, 
As feathers failde, and he fell fhort 

of what he tooke in hand. 
In this thy hauty heart thou fhewil, 

too playne thy pryde appeares, 
How durft thou deale in field affaires ? 

leaue off, vnyoke thy fteeres. 
Let loftie Lucans verfe alone, 

a deed of deepe deuife : 
A (lately flile, a peereleffe pen, 

a worke of weightie pryce. 
More meete for noble Buckhurfl braine, 

where Pallas built her bowre, 
Of purpofe there to lodge her felfe, 

and fhew her princely powre. 
His fwelling vaine would better blafe, 

thofe Royall Romane peeres: 
Than any one in Brutus land, 

that liude thefe many yeeres. 
And yet within that little Ifle 

of golden wittes is ftore, 
Great change and choife of learned ymps 

as euer was of yore. 



12 THE AUTHOUR 

I none diflike, I fancie fome, 

but yet of all the reft, 
Sance enuie, let my verdite paffe, 

Lord Buckurjl is the beft. 
Wee all that Ladie Mules are, 

who be in number nine: 
With one accord did bleffe this babe, 

each faid, This ympe is mine. 
Each one of vs, at time of birth, 

with Iuno were in place : 
And each vpon this tender childe, 

beftowd her gift of grace. 
My felfe among the moe alowde 

him Poets praifed fk.il, 
And to commend his gallant verfe, 

I gaue him wordes at will. 
Minerua luld him on her lappe, 

and let him many a kiffe : 
As who would fay, when all is done, 

they all ihall yeeld to this. 
This matter were more meet for him, 

and farre vnfit for thee : 
My lifter Clio, with thy kinde, 

doth beft of all agree. 
Shee deales in cafe of liking loue, 

her lute is fet but lowe : 
And thou wert wonte in fuch deuife, 

thine humour to bellow. 



TO THE READER. 13 

1 As when thou toldeft the Shepheards tale 

that Mantuan erfl had pend : 
"2 And turndft thofe letters into verfe, 

that louing Dames did fend 
Vnto their lingring mates, that fought 

at facke and fiege of Troy : 

3 And as thou didft in writing of 
thy Songs of fugred ioy. 

4 Mancynus vertues fitter are, 
for thee to take in hande, 

Than glitering gleaues, and wreakfull warres, 

that all on" flaughter Hand. 
The Giants proud, afpiring pompe 

when they fo fondly llroue, 
And hopde with helpe of heaped hilles 

to conquere mightie Ioue, 
Is not for euery wit to wield, 

the weight too heauy weare, 
For euery Poet that hath wrote 

in auncient age to beare. 
Vnlefle that Lucan, Virgill, or 

the great renowmed Greeke, 
Would vndertake thofe boyfteous broiles, 

the reft are all to feeke. 
Each flender fliip that beares a faile, 

and flittes in quiet flood : 
Is not. to brooke the byllow, when 

the roaryng Seas be wood. 



14 THE AUTHOUR 

Alcydes flippers are too wide 

for euery wretch to weare : 
Not euery childe can Atlas charge, 

vpon his ihoulders beare. 
Not euery dick that dares to drawe 

a fword, is Hectors peere, 
Not euery woodman that doth ihoote, 

hath fkill to chofe his Deere. 
No heart can match the Lions might, 

his force is ouer fell : 
Though euery little ftarre doe fhine, 

yet doth the Sunne excell. 
Not euery bryer, or tender twigge, 

is equall to the Pyne, 
Nor euery Prelate that can preache, 

is thought a deepe deuine. 
Not euery fifh that flittes amyd 

the lloud with feeble finne, 
Is fellowe to the Delphine fwifte, 

when he doth once beginne. 
The peeuiflie puttocke may not preace 

in place where Eagles are. 
For why, their kingly might exceedes, 

their puiffance pafleth farre. 
All which I fpeake to let thee wyte, 

that though thou haue fome lkill. 
Yet haft thou not fufficient ftuffe 

this Authors loome to fill. 



TO THE READER. 15 

Too flender is thy feeble twifte, 

thy webbe is all too weake: 
Before thy worke be halfe difpatchte, 

no doubte thy warpe will breake. 
Wherefore renounce thy raih deuice, 

thy yeelding force I knowe: 
And none fo well as I can iudge, 

the bente of Lucans bowe. 
Thinke of the toade in Efops tale, 

that fought to matche the Bull, 
For highneffe, and did burft at length, 

his bowels were fo full. 
So thou, vnlefTe thou take good heede, 

Tranflating Lucans warre, 
Shalt fpoyle thy Lute, and (troy thy firings, 

in {training them too farre. 
I heere aduife, and eke commaunde 

that thou no farther goe: 
Laye downe thy Lute, obey my will, 

for Aire it (hall be fo. 
With that my droufie fl umber fledde, 

my fenfes came againe : 
And I that earfl was drownde in dreames, 

behelde the Goddes playne, 
Whofe frouning phrafe and fpitefull fpeach 

had daunted fo my witte, 
As for my life I wifte not howe 

to fhape an aunfwere fitte. 



16 THE AUTHOUR 

Each worde (me thought) did wound me fo, 

eache looke did lurche my harte : 
Eache fentence bredde my forrowes fuch, 

eache lyne was lyke a darte. 
But yet at lafte with manly minde, 

and mouth vnfraught of feare, 
Vnto this loftie learned Mufe, 

thefe wordes I vttred there : 
O noble Impe, and daughter deare 

to mightie loue his grace, 
It much relieues my weakened wittes 

to fee thy heauenly face. 
For which ten thoufand thanks I yelde 

that heere with bended knee : 
And counte my felfe the bleffedil man 

aliue, thine eyes to fee. 
Thy prefence makes me to prefume, 

thou holdft me verie deare : 
But (out alas) thy wordes were fuch 

as I was loathe to heare. 
Controlements came from haughtie bread, 

for that I vndertooke 
With Englifh quill to turne the verfe 

of learned Lucans booke. 
And fhall I (Lady) be miilykte 

to take in hande a deed, 
By which vnto my natiue foyle 
aduantage may fucceede? 



TO THE READER. 17 

By which the ciuill fwordes of Rome 

and mifchiefes done thereby, 
May be a myrrour vnto vs, 

the like milhappes to flie ? 
I veelde my brayne too barraine farre, 

my verfes all too vyle, 
My pen too playne, with metre meete 

to furnifh Lucans ftyle: 
Whole deepe deuife, whofe filed phrafe, 

and Poets peereleffe pen, 
Would eloye the cunningfl head in court, 

and tyre the luflieft men. 
But yet fith none of greater fkill, 

and ryper witte would write 
Of Csefar and Pompeius warres, 

a woorke of rare delight : 
I thought it good as well to pafTe 

the idle time away, 
As to the worlde to fet to viewe 

howe difcorde breedes decay: 
To turne this princely Poets verfe, 

that limple men might fee 
Of Ciuill broyles and breach at home, 

how great the mifcheiues bee. 
But fith it flandes not with your wills 

who lady Mufes are, 
That one fo dull as I, mould deale 

in cafe concerning wane : 



THE AUTHOUR 

I am content to plie vnto 

your pleafures out of hande, 
It bootes me not againft the wdl 

of heauenly ftates to ftande. 
Yet being that my prefent plight 

is ftufte with all anoye, 
And late mifhaps haue me bereft 

my rimes of roifling ioye : 
Syth churlifh fortune clouded hath 

my glee, with mantell blacke, 
Of foule mifchaunce, wherby my barke 

was like to bide the wracke : 
(Good ladie) giue me leaue to write 

fome heauy founding verfe, 
That by the vewe thereof, my harmes 

the readers heart may perfe. 
With that the Goddeffe gaue a becke, 

and yeelded my requeft, 
And vanifht llreight without offence, 

and licenfle me to rede. 
Then I to reading Boccas fell, 

and fundrie other moe 
Italian Authours, where I found 

great lloare of flates in woe, 
And fundrie fortes of wretched wights: 

fome flayne by cruell foes, 
And other fome that through defire 

and Loue their lyues did lofe: 



TO THE READER. ID 

Tyrant thirfting after bloud, 

therafelues were fowly flayne: 
And fome did fterue in cndleffe woes, 

raid pynde with bitter payne. 
Which ff.iue me matter fitte to write: 

and herevpon it grewe 
That I this Tragicall deuil'e, 

haue l'ette to open viewe. 
Accept my paynes, allow me thank 

if I deferue the fame, 
If not, yet lette not meaning well 

be payde with checke and blame. 
For I am he that buylde the bowre, 

I hewe the hardened ftone, 
And thou art owner of the houfe, 

the paine is mine alone. 
I burne the bee, I holde the hyue, 

the fommer toyle is myne : 
And all bicaufe when winter comraes, 

the honie may be thine. 
I frame the foyle, I-graue the golde, 

I fafhion vp the ring, 
And thou the iewell {halt eriioye, 

which I to lhape doe bring. 
Adieu (good Reader) gaze thy fill, 

if aught thine eyes delight : 
For thee I tooke the woorke in hande, 

this booke is thine of right. 




The Argument to the first 



i tone. 




^ s ^f HROUGH wilful loue, and liking ouermuch, 
^?w1?M Nastagios state did melt, and without returne 
>2X-c\} Of like good will : Eupbvmius minde was such, 
She felt no flame, when he, good man, did tmrne : 
But made his griefe her glee, his bitter smarte, 
Might nothing rize or pierce her marble harte. 



2 By friendes aduise at last he parted thence, 
Though greatly greened, remouing racke him sore, 
To quit the cause of al his fond expence, 
And purchase ease which he had lost before: 
A death (no doubt) it was to put away, 
And yet no life with her in place to stay. 



3 Beholde the happ, as he ful pensiue stoode 
Amyd a groue adioyning to his tent, 
Recounting former toyes: athwart the wood 
With cruell curres an armed knight there went, 
That had in chace a frotion fresh of hewe, 
Whom he by force of sword and mastiues slewe. 



THE ARGUMENT. 21 

1 And after death this lad}' liude againe 
Vp start away she ran before the Knight, 
For thus the Goddes alotted had her paine, 
Bycause she slewe by scorne that louing wight : 
In death he was her plague, whome she in life 
Enforst to slay himselfe with murthering knife. 

5 Nastagio pondering in his restlesse thought 
As wel the sequele as the cause of all. 

Seing that skorne the ladies penance wrought, 
For dealing earst so hardely with her thrall : 
Bethought him howe to make a myrrour right 
Both of the mayde, and eke the cursed knight. 

6 His plat was thus : he hyd in friendly sort 
Vnto his tente, to feast and banket there 

His auncient loue, that made his payne hir sporte, 
Whose mother came and diuers friendes I feare, 
Amyds the feast the knyght pursude the mayde, 
And slewe hir there, as I before haue sayde. 

7 Which sight amazde the route, but most of all 
That virgin coye, so carelesse of the man 
Begonne to quake, it toucht her to the gall, 

And therevpon hir liking first began. 
For after that she woxe his wife at last, 
Dreading the gods reuenge for rigour past. 




®ragtcall ®ale& 




there is a citie, hight 
Rauenna, by report as braue a place 
As may be found, both frefli and fair to fight, 
Wherein of yore there was a noble race 
Of gallant wights, great choife of men of fame, 
But one in chief, Naftagio by name. 

The father of this forward ympe did dye, 
Forefpent with yeeres, and load with filuer locks, 
Whofe land and fee defcended orderly 
Vnto the Sonne, with ftore of other Hocks : 
Few fathers of this aged mans degree, 
In fo good cafe did leaue their fonnes as bee. 

This might fuffice to make Naftagio rich, 
But, where wealth is, there lightlie follows more, 
For hee an vncle had, who gaue as mych 
At tyme of death, as father left before : 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

The wealth of thefe two rych rehowmed wights, 
In little fpace vpon Xailagio lights. 

Xot one in all Rauenna might compare 
With him for wealth, or matcht him for his muck : 
He liude at full, not tailing any care, 
But tooke his time, and vfde his golden luck : 
Not wanting ought that fitted for his ftate, 
Bv meane of flowing wealth full warme he fate. 

This youth his wanton prime without a wife, 
Retchleffe confumde, and liude in tingle fort, 
Efteemirig that to be the bleffed life, 
Becaufe he found it ftuft with glee and fporte : 
As yonkers that at randon vfe to range, 
Refufo to wed, becaufe they hue to change. 

Vntill at length his roauing eies hee keft 
Vpon a wench, and tooke fo perfect view 
Of Graces that did harbour in her brelt, 
As llreight to liking of this maid he grew : 
His fanfie fed vpon hir featurde lookes, 
In fort as none faue her this gallant brookes. 

Who. doubleffe was a neate and noble Dame, 
Trauerfar cleaped was her worthie Sire, 
And flie herfelfe Euphymia cald by name, 
As frefh of hewe as men might well deflre: 
With her I faye Naftagio fell in loue, 
Whofe fetled choyfe no reafon might remoue. 

Her chriftall eyes had lurcht his yeelding heart, 
And razde his bending breaft by often glaunce, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

Her glittering locks fo queyntly coucht by art, 
Had brought this youth to fuch a louing traunce, 
As all his care was how to compaffe grace, 
From her whom he fo derely did imbrace. 

(Then as it is the trade of Cupids knights) 
He fell to feaft, where lackt no daintie fare, 
To come be forraine cates that breede delights, 
For no expence this courtly wight would fpare. 
Hee vfde the tilt on jenate trapt with gold, 
To pleafe his Donnas eyes with courage bold. 

For if flie be a noble Dame in deede, 
Shee pleafure takes to view a manlie knight 
In armour clad, beilriding of his fleed: 
And doth deteft the bafe and coward wight, 
For that the valiant will defend Iter fame. 
When carpet fquires will hide their heads with Jhame . 

Thus wafted he the day in Loue deuice, 
And fpent the nights with coftly mufikes found. 
In hope at length this virgin to entice 
To falue his fore, and cure his couert wounde : 
Nothing was left in any point vndone, 
Whereby the loue of Ladies might be wonne : 

By lettres he vnfolded all his fittes, 
By meffage eke imparted all his paine, 
His mournfull lines bewraid his mazed wits, 
His fongs of loue declarde his paffions plaine : 
The rockieft heart aliue it would haue movde, 
To fee how well this noble man had loude. 



TRAGI CALL TALES. 25 

Yet cruel! fhee, when he had clone and (aide 
The mofl he might to moue her ftonie heart, 
To like of him might not at all be waide, 
For flie was flruck with Cupids leaden dart, 
Whole chilling cold had bound her bowels fo, 
As in no wife fhe could abridge his wo. 

But how much more the louer made his mone, 
Suing for ruth and well deferued grace, 
The more fhee fate vnmoued, like the ftone, 
Whom waues do beat, but wag not from his place : 
Either beauties pride or ftately flocke did force 
This haughtie dame from pitie and remorce. 

Shee rigorouflie refufde, and tooke difdaine, 
So much as once to yeeld him friendlie cheare, 
Who for her fake had bid fuch bitter paine, 
As any tender heart would bleed to heare : 
And in reward of all his friendlhip part, 
Shee gaue him leaue to fpoile himfelfe at laft. 

Wherto through deep defpaire his mind was bent 
In hope thereby to end his wretched woe, 
Becaufe he faw her malice not relent, 
W T ho for good will became his deadlie foe : 
For in fuch cafe aye death is counted light, 
Where men may not enioy their Jweete delight. 

His wilfull hande was arrade with naked knife, 
And euen at point to giue the fatall itroke, 
By fhort difpatch of loathed lingring life, 
To ridde his wearie neck of heauie yoke : 



20 TRAGICALL TALES. 

But, life was fweete, and he to liue, would leaue 
The Dame, from whom he might no ruth reeeaue. 

When Fanfie faw his raging humour ceafe, 
And Reafon challenge rule, and charge againe, 
Whereby his fond affection woulde deceafe, 
And hee be quitt of all his former paine: 
To keepe him in, and hold his louer fait, 
She gaue him Hope, to come by loue at lalt. 

Thus diuers thoughts did foiourne in his breft, 
Sometimes he meant himfelfe with fword to flay, 
An other time to leaue to loue was belt: 
Some other while affection bare the fway: 
Was neuer man belowe the ftarrie fkie, 
So loth to liue, and yet fo woe to die. 

For why? in life he found himfelf a thrall, 
Vnable aye to compaffe his delight: 
And yet by death there was no hope at all, 
For then he was affurde to loofe her quight : 
So neither life nor death might eafe his minde, 
That by the Gods was thus to loue affignde. 

VVhilft thus Naftagio fought his owne decay, 
By liquorous lull, his friendes and nearer! kinne 
Perceiuing how his wealth did wait away, 
And that, his bodie pinde and waxed thinne: 
Did diuers times their friendly counfell giue, 
That from Rauenna he abroade fliould liue. 

For change of place perhaps wold purchafe helth 
And abfence caufe his foolilh fancies weare: 



TRAGICALL TALK- 27 

They did not leaue to tell him how his wealth 

And all things els confumde, and melted there : 

But 'fcornefull he did fcoffe their good aduife, 

And had their grauefl wordes in flender price. 

As louers wont, ichofancie nothing leffe 

Thanjpeeches tending all to their auaile: 

Not much vnlike the lame, for whqfe redrejfe, 

When counfell commes, the?/ lightlie fume their taile, 

Loathing to lend an eare to holfome lore, 

Ofjuch asfeeke tojalue their lingringjbre. 

Yet they like friends would neuer blin or flint, 
To fhew him meanes to better his eflate: 
Whereby, As often drops do pearce the flint, 
So they at length by many fpeeches, gate 
His free confent to trauell for a fpace, 
To trie what chaunce would hap by change of place. 

Judge you that loue, and can difceme a right, 
How great annoy departure bredde in minde 
To him that loude a paffing proper wight : 
(Though not belovde) and now muft leaue behinde 
The idoll that was fhrinde within his breft 
Whofe rife remembrance lowde him little refl. 

But yet away for promife fake he would, 
All needfull things were ready for the fame, 
Both cates and coyne, with plate of beaten gold : 
And for his better comfort, kinfmen came, 
Who ioyed to fee him part away from thence, 
Where fhe abode that caufd his lewde expence. 

D 



28 TRAGICAL!, TALES. 

To forraine coaft Naftagio now was bent, 
But not refolude what fpeciall place to fee, 
Eyther Flaunders, France, or Spain, I thinke he ment 
For that thofe feates of ciuile nature be : 
To make it fhort, hee tooke his horfe in poaft, 
And fo departs the foyle he fanfied molt. 

They had not trauailde farre, before they came 
Vnto a place, that from Rauenna flood 
Three miles or thereabout, the village name 
Was Claffye, there Naftagio thought it good 
To make aboade for eafe and folace fake, 
Wherefore he pight his tent, and thus befpoke. 

I thank you (friends quoth hee) with all my hart. 
I hold myfelfe indebted for your paine, 
Now here you may (if fo you lift.) depart, 
And to Rauenna fhape returne againo : 
For I and mine will refpite here a fpace, 
I like the feate, and fancie well the place. 

Here doe I meane to make allured flay, 
Vntill the rufull Gods doe eafe my woe, 
And Cupide chafe my forowes cleane away, 
I purpofe not a foote from hence to goe : 
Lo here I pledge my faith to come no more 
Vnto the foyle where I receiude my fore. 

Which promife, if I hold, you haue your willes s 
Who gaue aduife and counfell to the fame: 
There relies no more, your penliue friend fulfils 
A heauie charge, to flee fo faire a Dame, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

As to my doome, there are not many moo, 

To match with her, whofe beautie breedes my \\ > 

But well content I am, at your requeit 
To Hue exilde, in manner as you fee, 
I will no more procure mine owne vnreft, 
By louing her that loathes to pitie me : 
And hauing thus at full declarde his minde, 
They tooke their leaues, he paufde and itaid b[eh]inde. 

Thus he at plafure lodgde, did banket more, 
And led his life at greater libertie 
Than in Rauenna he had done of yore : 
Hee did exceede for courtly iolitie, 
There wanted no delight that youth doth crane, 
Which he for coyne or any coil might haue. 

And whylom, as his auncient cuflome was, 
For diuers of his friendes he vfde to fend, 
In gladfome ioyes the wearie day to paffe: 
Whereby no loue care might his eafe offend : ■ 
Was neuer wight that loude in greater glee, 
Nor fpent his time in brauer fort than hee. 

When May, with motly robes began his raigne, 
(A luftie time for euery louing lad) 
Naltagio pondering in his bufie braine, 
The ilender hyre that he receiued had, 
And foule repulfe for all his good defart, 
Gan walke abrode, and wild his groomes to part. 

Whereby he might the better call to thought, 
The caul'eleffe rigour of the cruell Dame : 



30 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Whole final regard his former fpoil had Wrought 
And turnde his torments into pleafaunt game: 
Along he paced into a gladfome groue, 
Whilft in his head ten thoufand fancies ftroue. 

There ftalkte he on, as fofte as foote could tread, 
In deepe difcourfe of beautie and difdaine, 
Vntill himfelfe a mile or more he lead 
Into the Coppyfe, not hauing any traine: 
So long he ftaide, as dinner time drew neare, 
Which he forgot, not minding bellye cheare. 

Loe fee the hap, that him did there betide, 
Within a while he heard a dolefull noyfe, 
Of one that in the groue full fhrilly cryde, 
Who feemde to be a virgin by her voyce : 
The fodayne feare fo much amazde the man, 
As ftreight to leaue his pleafant thoughtes he gan, 

Vpliffed he his head, and glewde aboute 
To fee what woofull wight it was, and why 
She fo exclamde, and made fuch fodaine fhoute : 
And as alongft the lawnde he kefl his eye, 
A naked Nymphe well thapte in euery lym, 
With fpeedie pace, he fawe come towards him. 

Retcheleffe ihe ran through thick and thin amayn, 
Bebrutht with bryers her broofed body bled. 
The brambles fkirmifhte had with euery vayne, 
Vntruft her haire hoong rounde about her head : 
And euer as fhe ranne athwarte the wood, 
Mercy the cryde with open mouth a good. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 31 

Two monftrous maftyues eke he fawe that ran 
Clofe by her fide, two vgly curres they were, 
Who euer as they ouertooke her, gan 
Her haunches with their greedie teeth to teare: 
To view (alas) it was a wofull fight, 
Such hungrie houndes on naked fleih to light. 

He lookte a little more afcance, and vewde 
One riding fade, as jenats legges could goe, 
A hydeous knight, to feeming fwarthie hewde, 
And (as appearde) he was the maydens foe: 
For in his hande a naked fworde he had, 
Whofe face was grimme, and he in blacke yclad. 

Who gallopt on, and glewde with fell regarde, 
Pronouncing threates and termes of hye difdaine, 
With cruell tooles for murther well preparde: 
And cryde fo loude Naftagio heard it plaine, 
That he reuenge of her by death would take 
With other thundring words which time he fpake. 

Thus for an houre fpace, or thereaboute, 
In one felfe brake Nafiagio mazed ftoode 
Perplexed fore, and greatly in a doubte, 
Beholding howe the dogges athwarte the wood, 
Did chace the wench, and how the wrathful knight 
With gaftly looke purfewde this fillie wight. 

So long he gazde, that pitie grew in fine, 
And fwelling yre incenft his manly brefi, 
Pricking him on, and making him repine, 
To fee a fillie dame fo fore diftrefte: 



32 TRAGICALL TALES. 

So as vnleffe he refcued hir from foes, 
She was affurde eftfoone her life to lofe. 

Bat bootleffe twas to meane to helpe the mayde, 
Not hauing weapons fit, nor fworde, nor launce, 
But yet, bicaufe the cafe required ayde, 
He raught a truncheon from a pyne by chaunce, 
And therewithall againft the armed knight 
And both his curres he made with all his might. 

The horfeman when he fawe Naflagio bent 
For her fupplie, whom he would reaue of life: 
Exclamde alowde, withftande not mine intent 
Naltagio, flinte and breede no further ftryfe, 
Forgoe thy force, let maftiues haue their will, 
Sith they and I this monfter meane to kill. 

He fcarily fpake the worde, but by and by 
The egre curres vnto her flankes they flewe, 
And with her bloud that ran abundantly, 
Their monftrous mouths they haflned to imbrewe : 
Withall the knight difmounted from his lleede, 
And in he ranne his hungrie dogges to feede. 

Naflagio feeing this, approcht the knight, 
I mufe (quoth he) how thou fhouldft know my name 
Who neuer earft, eche other fawe with fight, 
But this afTure thy felfe, it is a fhame, 
A man at armes his honour to dijtaine, 
With conqaeft of a maydejbfowlyjlaine. 

A blouddie facie, a fimple wenche to kill 
With cruell fworde, whofe force confiftes in flight : 



TRAGICALL TALES. 33 

A beaftly parte, fuch maftiues mavves to fill, 
With giltleffe bloud, a villaines nature right. 
Thou dealfte with her, as though the were a beafte 
In forett bredde, not tatting woraens breaft. 

Allure thy felfe as much as lyeth in me, 
I meane to garde her, maugre all thy might, 
I compte her cleare without offence to be, 
She is vnlike to be a guiltie wight : 
I may not brooke fuch wrong in any wife, 
Againft my kinde and honour fore it lies. 

Wherto the knight to this effect replyde : 
Naftagio would thou wift and knewft it well, 
That I to thee am verie neere allyde, 
Both borne and bred where thou and thyne do dwell: 
My firft defcent I tooke of noble race, 
Thou knoweft my ftocke. Now liften to my cafe. 

I lyued when thou wert but of tender age, 
A mortall man, and hight Sir Guye by name, 
My lucke was fuch as fanfie made me rage, 
And fall in liking with this {lately dame, 
Whom here thou feeft, my loue was nothing leffe 
Than that which doth thy yeelding heart poffeffe. 

I likte her well, I helde her verie deare: 
But cruell (he fo tygrelyke requites 
My great good will with fuch a fkornfull cheare, 
As lacke of ruthe berefte me my delightes: 
Defpaire fo grewe within my hapleffe breft, 
As on a time to compafie greater reft, 



34 TRAGICALL TALES. 

This fauchion fell, in deepe defpite I drewe, 
To ftinte my woes which neuer would aflake, 
And with the fame my felfe I fowly flewe, 
In hope thereby an ende of bale to make : 
Which wicked deede the Gods detefted fo, 
As I was iudgde to hollow hell to go. 

And there aflignde by rightfull doome diuine, 
For ihortning of my life to liue in payne, 
Where lingring griefes fhould make my gholl to pine, 
For life mifpent, the fit tell hire and gayne: 
W'ith Pluto thus it was my lot to flay, 
Woe worth the time that I my felfe did llaye. 

But. lillen on, within a little fpace, 
This haughtie dame that hailned on my death, 
For yeelding me fuch (lender hire and grace, 
Who thought it none offence to lloppe my breath, 
Likewife did dye, whome mightie loue and iufte, 
For her defarte, among the Furies thrull. 

To quit her ihame, in hell fhe had a lliare, 
With diuelifh impes, that whilom wanted grace: 
And after that file had remayned thare, 
And plungde her limmes in frozen pittes a fpace, 
She was aduanlle vp to the earth againe, 
And I with her to breede eche others payne. 

Loe thus the Gods did will it for to bee, 
TVIwfe Jentence may at no time be undone. 
That lhe in poalle (as thou thy felfe doefl fee) 
All bare of roabes before thefe dogs fhould ronne, 



TRAGI CALL TALK-. 35 

And I on horfebacke after her fliould l 
Not as a friende, but like a mortall foe. 

And looke howe ofte I reachte her on the way, 
So oft I fliould difmember all her corfe, 
With felfe fame fworde that did his maifter flay, 
She giuing caufe, though I did vfe the force: 
And butcherlike to rippe her downe the raym 
Who for good will, allowde me bitter paines. 

And hauing cut her carkafle (juite in twayne, 
That I fliould crulhe the heart as colde as ftone, 
Not fparing to difpoyle eche little vayne, 
Eche tender corde and firing that grewe theron : 
And take thofe other inwarde partes, to feede 
My hungrie dogs, to feme their prefent neede. 

This heauie doome was by the Gods affignde 
The cruell dame, for wanting dewe regarde: 
She is afllirde no greater eafe to finde, 
This torment is for her outrage preparde: 
Thefe curres and I in order as you fee, 
Appoynted are her daily fcourge to be. 

And in this felfe fame groue where now we goe, 
Eache Friday neere about this tyme of day, 
This wicked wenche bewayles her wretched woe, 
And I with helpe of curres my part do play. 
The maftiues they doe chace her thwarte the wood, 
And I imbrewe my weapon with her blood. 

Ech place where fhe hath wroth my wo ere this, 
And yelded griefe in guerdon of good will, 

E 



36 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Vnto her plague that place appointed is, 
There mud I her with bloudie weapon kill: 
And marke how many monthes I fpent in loue, 
So many yeeres mull lhe this penance proue. 

Wherefore doe let me put the fame in vre, 
Which lhe deferues, and loue did giue in charge, 
Let her for former pride fuch paines endure. 
As flie may fmarte, and I my felfe difcharge : 
In any wife take not her caufe in hande. 
hi mine it were for man with God tojiande. 

Nallagio hauing hearde the tale he tolde, 
And waving well the earneft words he fpake, 
Although he were a ventrous wight and bolde, 
Yet gan his trembling limmes with fear to quake : 
He had not tho a haire but ftoode vpright, 
Wherwith he ftarte abacke as one afright. 

And gazde vpon the girle in woful cafe, 
Marking the rigour that the knight would vfe 
And praelife thereupon the wench in place, 
Who was to bide his force, and might not chufe : 
His harte it bled within his breafl to vewe, 
Howe tho the knight to diuelifh choler grewe. 

For when he had his tedious proceffe donne, 
Full lyke a bedlym bealt in forreft bred, 
He gan vpon the filly wretche to ronne, 
Who to efcape, before the malliues fled : 
With naked fworde he preaft to do the deed, 
And came behinde, full cowardlyke to fpeede. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 37 

Bootleffe it was for her away lo flye : 
The jenate was too good for her of foote, 
And more than that, the tyrant was fo nye, 
As to appeale for pitie was no boote: 
Wherfore with faint, forfeebled as fhe was, 
With bowing knee fhe fell vpon the graffe. 

The greedie houndes eftfoone began to bite, 
Seazing vpon her carkas with their iawes: 
With that comes in the gaftly fweating knight, 
Who thruft her through, and made no longer pawfe : 
Streight down the went, with bloudy breft to ground 
Vnable to fuftayne fo great a wounde. 

Then backe he put his hand behinde his hippes, 
And drewe a fhoulder knife of purpofe made, 
Wherwith the bea (ket bone vnrippes, 

As is the bluddie butc nnon trade: 

And out he he' laping hearte, 

Whereof echc had a parte. 

They quick : ■ wide difpatche, 

As carrion cu lelpes do vie, 

That euen fnatche, 

And being svith famine, nought refufe : 

As foono I'ofe, 

And w: roes. 

As thoi iter pad, 

And by li lyne, 

The knit n hafte, 

Not fparinj ne 



3S TRAGICALL TALES. 

The dreadfull fworde, as he had done of yoi 
Within a while Naftagio fawe no move. 

They vanifht foone as thofe that went apace, 
On neither fide was flacknefie to be founde, 
The mayde flie mounted, being had in chace, 
Life made her leape, euen as the Hare doth bound : 
The hungrie dogs, that hunger ftarued weare, 
Layde on as faft her flefhye flankes to teare. 

The ruftie knight he ffaue his horfe the ravne, 
And followde harde, as men for wager ronne, 
Vpon delire to plague the wenche againe, 
Who earft to him fo great a wrong had donne : 
Thus famine, feare, and fell reuenging minde, 
Made maftiues, maid, and knight their legs to finde. 

Naltagio hauing feene this pageant plaide, 
Stoode ftill in parte to pittie movd withall, 
In part with ftrangeneffe of the fight difmaide, 
Began to ponder with himfelfe, and call 
To minde afrelh, how that the knight had told, 
Ech fryday that he might the like behold. 

Which fitted well he thought for his intent. 
It might perhaps turne him in time to good : 
Wherefore he markt the place, and home he went, 
Leauing a figne vndoubted where he Hood, 
Till time he were difpozde to put in vre, 
That newe deuife, his quiet to procure. 

Retirde vnto his tent, his man he fends 
Vnto Rauenna, out of hand to will 



TRAGICALL TALK-. 3 g 

His neareft kin, and befl beloued friends 
T<> viiite him in proofe of their good will: 
Who being bid, came polling ftreight away, 
To whom Naftagio thus began to fay : 
Mine auncient friends, you counfeld me of \ore 
To fhun the ibamefull lone, that whvlom I 
Beflowde on her, that me tormented fore, 
And plagude me fo as I was like to die : 
You warned mee to flie my pleafant foe. 
Within whole brelt no tender ruth might grow. 

And more than that, you friendly did aduife 
That I fhould part my countrey, to auoide 
My monllrous charge, that dailie did arife 
And mount fo hie as I was much anoyde. 
Now friendes, the wiflied time is come, for I 
Am readie here vnto your hell to plie. 

I yeeld you heartie thanks in humble fort, 
In great good part your holfome reade I take: 
I crane no more, but that you will reforf 
Vnto my lodge on Friday next, to make 
Good cheere, bring Paule Trauerfar then along, 
And eke his wife, or els you do me wrong. 

In any wife let not the Matron leaue 
That daintie peate her daughter deare behind, 
I meane in friendly manner to receiue 
My friendes as then: fuch fare as you mall find, 
Accept in gree, faile not to come, I pray, 
And bring with you thefe parties at the day. 



40 TRAGICALL TALES. 

So many as were prefent there in view, 
Both gaue him thankes, and promift not to faile 
Themfelues to come, and bid the refidue, 
Which they performde, the fute did foon preuaile 
With all the gueftes, faue with that rockie maide, 
Who fcornd his feaft, and gladly would haue ftaid, 

But yet at length with much ado fhe went, 
The prefence of her parents led her on, 
Who being come vnto Naftagios tent, 
With courtly grace he greeted euerie one, 
Reioycing there to fee fo braue a traine, 
But her chiefe, that bred him all his paine. 

Juft vnderneath a very ftatelie Pine, 
That ihadowed all the troupe in compaffe round, 
The table flood, where all thefe ftates lhould dine : 
To tell you truth, it was the felfe fame grounde, 
Where earft the knight had had the maid in chace: 
The feafter prayde eche one to take his place. 

And fo they did, regarding their eftate 
That worthie were the higheft roome to holde : 
The fourme was fraught, vpon the bench there fat 
Euphymia, fo as fhee mull needes behold 
From firft to lafl all thinges that fortunde tho, 
There was no fhift, Naftagio meant it fo. 

I leaue to defcant of their daintie fare, 
(Set bankets made by courtiers lacke no cates,) 
We may prefume the feruice there was rare, 
Becaufe the board was virond round with ftates: 



TRAGIC ALL TALK-. 

So much the more becaufe his miftreffe came, 
Whom he had found fo coy and queinl a dame. 

When fecond courfe was fervde in order rowne: 
Euen then the blooddie Tragedie began: 
The Sewer fet the meate no fooner downe, 
But by and by was heard of euery man, 
A yelling noife that echode in the flcies, 
The wofulll found that man might well deuife. 

Whereat ech one that fate at meate did muze, 
Demaunding who that wretched wight fhould bee, 
And afking what fhould meane that fodain newes, 
They heard a voyce, but coulde no creature fee: 
They vaunft themfelues, and itood mee bolt vpright, 
Becaufe they would the fooner haue the fight. 

Within a while, ech one might plainly viewe 
A naked Nymph with maftiues by her fide, 
And eke an vgly knight that did purfue, 
And potting on a Croyden jenate ride: 
It was not long before they proched neere 
The place, where as was held this rovall cheere. 

Wherein among the gazing guefts fhe Howe, 
Exclaiming there for ruth with open armes: 
With that regrete and tender pitie grew 
Within their breaftes, to refcue her from harmes : 
To whom the knight cryde, let alone the maid, 
Reciting that which he before had faid. 

He fhewde at large, both who the partie was, 
And did vnfolde the caufe of all her woe. 



42 TRAGICAL!, TALES. 

And why the fentence of the Gods did pail'e 

In cruell fort vpon the mayden fo: 

Which procefle made them muze and marueile much, 

So as none durft the knight or curres to touch. 

Then he behavde him as he did of yore, 
Slafhing the Lady with his fauchion fell. 
The dogs receivde their pittance as before: 
Who fed vpon the heart, and likte it well : 
As many men and women as did view 
This wofull fight, and both the parties knew. 

And eke the houfes whence they did defcende, 
And wilt the caufe of all this curled cafe, 
Both how fir Guye for faithfull loue was fhend, 
And how the cruell maiden wanted grace: 
With one confenting minde lamented fo, 
A.s out brail teares in witneffe of their woe. 

When that the knight had vfde the matter thus 
In blooddie fort, as you haue heard it told: 
Amonglt themfelues the feailers gan difcuffe, 
And diuerfly debate from young to old, 
From firft to laft, what lately hapned there, 
Toucht all with dread, but molt that dame did fear 

Whom good Naftagio lovde, and tendrecl much 
Becaufe the thought within her guiltie minde, 
That her in chiefe this tragedie did touch, 
For foule difdaine and being fo vnkinde 
To him who for good will deferued ruth, 
And could atchieue but fcorne for all his truth. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 13 

Then firft of all reforted to her thought, 
What rookie heart and brafen bread the bare 
The courteous knight, her lone that dearly bought, 
And who for her had languiflit long 1 in care: 
And hereupon as there ihee fate in place, 
Shee thought herfelf the wench that was in chafe. 

Full fore fhe feard her flanks, and thought fliee fawe 
Her friende purfue her on his fretting fteed, 
And how he did his wrathful weapon draw 
To take reuenge of that her curfed deed : 
And meant belides his hungrie hounds to fill 
With flefh of her, for want of due good will. 

So palTing was her dread, as then there grewe 
A deepe defire within her mellow breaft, 
Her louing friend in gentle wife to rewe : 
Whereby her felfe might purchace quiet reft, 
And fcape the fcourge and penance for her pride 
Beftowde on him, who deepe in fanfie fride. 

When finifht was this feaft and royall cheare, 
And euery gueft returned backe again 
Vnto her home, Euphymia did appeare 
Tormented fore, and vext with monftrous paine, 
The fodaine feare of what fhee faw of late, 
Had planted in Loue, in place of former hate. 

The filent time that others doe beftowe 
From heauie cares and troubles of the day 

p 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

To quiet ileepe did breed this Ladies woe, 
Who might not chafe thofe deepe conceites away : 
No wilhed winke could enter in her eye, 
Vnto her pillow fanlie fate fo nie. 

When day drew on, and Phoebus with his waine 
Had cleard the pole, and darkneife put to flight, 
She felt a freih fupply of pleafant paine, 
And wept the dayes as ihee had watcht the night : 
Naftagio itacke fo firmely in her breaft, 
As for her life fliee could not compaffe reft. 

Wherefore Ihee calles a chamber maide of truft, 
(A wittie wench, and one that knew her good) 
And told her that in all the haft fhee mult 
Vnto Naftagios tent in daily wood: 
To let him wit, that if he would vouchfaue 
Her honeft loue, he might his purpofe haue, 

For fhee was fully bent without delay 
To ftoupe vnto his will, if fo it were 
His pleafure, then with fpeed to come away. 
The maid departs, and being entree! where 
Naftagio was, ihee told her miftreffe minde 
From point to point, as dutie did her binde. 

All haile (good fir) quoth fhee, in luckie home 
And blefled time I viewe thy louely face: 
Mine vnexpected comming to thy boure, 
And preaffing here thus ouerbold in place. 
Is by my ioyfull newes to wright thy cafe, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

Whofe noble minde in loue hath melted lone- 
As to thy pains, fo to thy open wrong. 

Sufficeth now thy fad and folemne eheare, 
Difcharge thofe cankred cares that fret thy mynde, 
Lay forrow quite afide, which thou too deare 
Haft bought, by means my Miftreffe was vnkinde : 
Plucke up thy fpirites, hencefoorth be lure to finde, 
As great good liking at my Ladies hand, 
As thou wouldft with, fhe means thy frend to ftand. 

And for a proofe of what I vtter now, 
Loe the lines that flatly do vnfolde 
Her yelding necke, that to thy yoke doth bowe, 
With fuch good will as may not well be tolde, 
So faire a frend is worth her weight in o- ld 
Thus much by mouth my miftreffe wild me fay, 
The reft (I iudge) this paper will bewray. 

The Ladies Letter of pittie 

to her afflicted friend, to whom 
Jhe had been cruell. 

S thou wilt muze to reade, 

fo I might blufli to write 
Thefe lines of loue, who for good will 

haue fed thee with defpite: 
And from the day when thou 

becamft a thrall in loue, 
Could neuer fpare one fparke of grace 

that was for thy behoue: 



15 




46 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Till now, both cleane againit 

mine honour and mine vfe, 
A Ladie, and a mayden both, 

I fende thee termes of truce. 
But liften well vnto 

the tale that I mall tell, 
Ere rafhly thou my kindneffe deeme, 

and thinke I vfe thee well. 
For Lions feldome Jewe 

vnto the Jillie Jheepe, 
No porter to their captiues crouch, 

whom they in chaines doe keepe : 
Few Ladies of ejlate, 

few Dames of hie degree, 
Doe bow vnto tlieir vqjjals willes, 

as I doe now to thee. 
But knowe that though I write 

the wordes of great good will : 
Yet I regarde mine honour aye, 

and keepe my countnance It ill. 
No lull procurde my lynes, t 

my credite to impaire: 
No flefhie fitte my fancie forft 

to fpeake Naftagio faire. 
But feeing how in feas 

of forow and diitreiie, 
Thy body bathde for loue of me : 

I could not doe no lefle, 



TRAGICALL TALI.-. 47 

But feeke to falue thy harmes, 

by pitying thine anov, 
Who, to pofl'effe mv liked limmes, 

bereft thy felfe of ioy. 
I law howe for my fake 

thou wafted hadft thy welth, 
And planting battrie to my fort, 

wert retchlefie of thy health: 
Deuifing how to raze 

the bulvvarke of my breft, 
And fcale the walles of my good will, 

whom thou didlt fancie bed, 
I plainly did perceiue 

(as Louersjbone trill fee,) 
Howe thou forfookeit thy natiue foyle, 

and all for loue of me : 
Quite careleffe of thy coyne, 

thy friendes and yeerely rents, 
Not forcing (lately builded bowres, 

nor gallant garifh tentes : 
Which when I flatly found, 

from fanfie to proceede, 
(Although thou thoughtft me ouerproud) 

I pitied thee in deede. 
Yea loue lhall be my iudge, 

when thou beganfte to fewe, 
And in Rauenna wert inragde, 

and firft to liking grewe : 



18 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Thy courtly grace was fuch, 

fo comly was thy corfe, 
And all thy partes fo pleafde mine eves. 

as I had had remorfe, 
And bended to thy bowe, 

faue that I dreaded guiles: 
My fearefull youth bid me beware, 

of mens miftruftfull wiles. 
Whofaine tofrie in hue, 

and melt with fanfies flames: 
When their deuije is only how 

by craft to compajfe dames. 
I reade in auncient bookes, 

how lafon playde the Jew, 
And to the Queene that favde his life, 

in fine was found vntrue : 
Not forcing her a figge, 

who for his fake forwent 
Both aged fyre, and tender babes, 

and crowne by due defcent. 
Againe I calde to minde 

how falfe Eneas fled, 
And left the curteous Carthage dame 

fall ileeping in her bed : 
Whofe bountie earft had bounde 

by det and due defart, 
When weatherbeaten he arrivde. 

this travterous Troyans hart. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 49 

Then Thefeus came to thought, 

and pranking Paris eake: 
Who like vnfaithfull fickle men, 

their fworne vowes did breake. 
Fayre Oenons wofull writ 

can witneffe of the tone : 
Thother from Ariadna fled 

and left her poll alone. 
With fundrie futers mo, 

who being bound to lone, 
Saunce quarell good, or matter why, 

their likings did remoue: 
Renouncing to their ihames, 

thole Ladies, who did rewe 
Their bafe eftates, and did relieue 

the men they neuer knewe. 
Thefe partes procurde my pawfe, 

and wilde me to beware, 
Lead I by giuing rafh confent 

to loue were trapt in fnare. 
My loue was like to thine, 

I fryde with egall fire, 
But nature helpes vs to conceale 

thefparkes of our dejire. 
Kinde aydes vs to conuey 

our fittes in finer wife: 
For honours fake , than men, whojhew 

their fancies by their eyes, 



50 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Which if we Ladies did, 

Defame would ring her bell, 
And blaze out armes in colours bafe 

although we meant but well. 
You men like Marchants are 

that fet their wares to fliowe, 
Whereby to lure the lookers eyes 

that by your wyndowes goe, 
And fundrie times in fteade 

of right and coftly clothes, 
You vtter trafh, and trifling ltuffe. 

which euery chapman lothes. 
But we like Goldfmithes deale, 

that forge their plate within: 
Whofe hammers plie the anuil aye, 

and yet no working feen. 
No fmoke nor fmoother flies, 

for any to beholde, 
Vntill the rude vnperfite maffe 

be brought to burnifht golde. 
We worke, but all within, 

our hammers are not heard : 
We hotly loue, but keepe it clofe, 

for feare our match be marde. 
For who ejteemes the maj/de, 

or holdes the virgin pure : 
Tliat Jiandes ajiale for euerie gueji, 
andjioupes to euerie hire? 



TRAGICALL TALES. 51 

Yea, bejhe maide or wife, 

if once her lookes be light, 
And that in Jiindrie Jitters tales 

/he place her deepe delight: 
Do/cne is her credite cut 

with hatchet of mi/hap, 
Her honour he/cde in peeces Jlraight; 

by ineane of open lap. 
O Goddes, what griefe were this 

vnto a noble minde? 
How would it vexe an honefl Nvmpli, 

whofe credite clearely fliynde? 
For offer of good will, 

with meaning not amhTe: 
To beate the badge of Helen, or 

of Crefide, for a kiffe? 
Then ought not we (I pray) 

that noble maydens are, 
So guide our tender fteppes of Itate, 

as vertue may prefarre, 
And place vs in the ranke, 

that is for Ladies dewe? 
Should we lende light beliefe to loue? 

or euery filter rewe ? 
So might we reape the crop 

of care, and foule defame : 
Where earft we neu'er meant to fowe 

the finfull feedes of lhame. 

G 



52 TRAGICALL TALES. 

I write not this of all 

that louing Inters bee, 
Or in fuch fort, as though I thought 

the like deceit in thee, 
As earft in lafon was, 

or in the wandring Prince, 
And fundrie other Lordings mo, 

that haue bene louers fince. 
One Swallow is nofigne 

that Sommer tune is come, 
No more muji all C'upidos knightes 

l>e cq/i becaiife ofjbme : 
Birdes are not plumde alike, 

yet all birdes in kinde : 
So men are men: but yet injbme 

more fickle partes ivefinde. 
I counte thee no fuch one 

as lightly will remoue : 
Thy lingring fute, my long delayes 

confirme thy faith in lone. 
Whom fith I finde fo firme 

and ftedfaft in delire, 
As neither lowring lookes, nor lacke 

can make thee once retyre, 
Or folter in thy fayth, 

which thou haft vowde to me : 
Proceede in loue, but haft thee home, 

that I thy face may fee. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 53 

Plucke vp thy manly minde, 

and fprites forfpent with woe: 
Drie vp the deaw that from thine eves 

and drearie cheekes do flow : 
Doe barbe that boyfterous beard : 

that ouergrowes thy face : 
Either cut, or kembe thy feltred lockes 

to mende thy manly grace. 
Put on thy golden gyte, 

and former frefh aray : 
Bellride thine auncient ftately fteede 

and quickly come awav. 
Backe to Rauenna ride, 

euen there to purchafe iov, 
Where thou ere this (the more my blame) 

haft liude in great anoy. 
Forgo thy folemne walkes, 

bandon Claffie wood: 
Leaue off to leade thy life in lawndes, 

imbrace thy townifh good. 
Thou art no vowed Monke 

in Cloyfter clofe to dwell: 
No Ancker thou enioynde with Beads, 

to hyde in fimple Cell. 
But thou a comelie knight, 

in field a Martial man: 
And eke in time of peace, a wight 

that rule Rauenna can. 



54 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Wherfore as I enforft 

thy bale and caufeleffe care: 
And was the onely the that made 

thee mourae and languifh thare : 
So (good Naflagio) nowe 

let me reuoke thee thence : 
That hande that did the harme ere this 

nowe vfe in thy defence. 
I lhot, I mull confefle, 

the dart that gaue the dynt, 
For which, lo here the blefleful balme, 

thy deadly griefes to (lint. 
Surceaffe thy wofnll plaintes, 

difcharge thy darke difpaire : 
The golden beames of my remorfe, 

fhall cleare thy cloudy ayre. 
When angry frowning foes 

encounter in the hides, 
With murdering mindes, the ftronger flaies, 

when once the weaker yeeldes. 
Vp goes the wrathfull fvvorde 

into his iheath againe : 
The yeelding of the tone, doth caufe 

that neuer a man is flaine. 
If weakell thus may winne 

by ftouping to be ltrong, 
In combate fell for life and death : 

thou doeft mee double wrong, 



TRAGICALL TALI.-. 55 

That hold in virgins hand, 

thy bale and eke thy bliffe, 
And am thy Queene, and only iov, 

and frankly offer this : 
If thou my kindneffe fcorne, 

and rather makfte the choyee 
To fpill thy gallaunt prime in plants, 

than with thy frendes reioyce. 
Thou feed how I do fue, 

to whom thou for fuedil grace. 
Sith I doe pitie thy diftreffe, 

to hight thy dolefull cafe: 
Difpatch without delay, 

treade torments vnder foote, 
That mirth within thy mourning minde 

may take the deeper root. 
The banquet latelie made, 

where I beheld my cheere, 
And marckte thy moode from point to point, 

in whome did plaine appeare 
A kinde and conftant heart, 

not bolftered vp with gyle: 
Enflamde my liuer fo with loue, 

as I was ford to fmyle. 
And had by outward fhewes, 

bewraied thee my good will, 
Saue that my mother prefent was 

who markt my countenance ftill. 



5G TRAGICALL TALES. 

I fawe, when we approcht, 

the tent amid the wood : 
How all thy guefts reioyft thee, but 

twas I that did thee good. 
My prefence bred delight, 

within thy blooming breft : 
And to diffemble liking thou, 

didft welcome all the reft. 
I markt at table how 

thou flilie call thine eie, 
On me aikance, and caruedft too 

my mother by and by: 
As who would fay, behold 

the meate I meant to thee, 
I am enl'orft to giue it here 

leaft they my fanfie fee. 
And when I raught the wine, 

and dranke my thyrit to quell, 
In felf fame peece how thou would pledge 

I yet remember well. 
I faw, when after meat 

wee parted home againe, 
How all thy former frolicke fit, 

was quickly changde to paine. 
My comming brought thee bliffe, 

my parture made thee pine. 
My beautie for the time enflamde 

and heat that heart of thine. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 57 

I faw (what wilt thou more) 

my prefence was thy life, 
And how mine abfence fet thy wits 

at cruell warre and ltrife. 
Then iith thine eyes are bent 

to feed vppon my face, 
And that the want of mv good will 

hath made thee runne this race: 
I rew thee now at laft, 

I pitie thy diftreffe, 
I yeeld that thou the cattle of 

thy comfort now poiieffe. 
I am no Lions whelpe, 

I fuckte no Tigers teat, 
In fpoyle of fuch as fewde for loue, 

delight I neuer fet. 
I neuer pleafure tooke, 

in forcing foe to death. 
Much leiTe my tender heart wil brooke 

to Itoppe Naftagios breath. 
Time giues affiirance good, 

of thine vnfained truji: 
Thou bearft no treqfon in thy bre/i, 

thou haft no lechers lift. 
Whom fithence I haue tride 

in loue fo perfecl true : 
To quit thy faith, I am thy friend, 

referring honour due. 



58 TRAGICALL TALES. 

If marriage loue thou meane, 

then franke confent I giae, 
To yeeld thee vp Dianas bowe, 

and loue thee whillt I hue. 
In Iunos ioyfull yoke, 

to ioyne and draw with thee : 
It likes me well, there refts no more 

but that my trends agree. 
Small fute fhal feme the turne, 

for if they doe not yeeld : 
Then I my felfe enright thee with 

the oonqueft of the fielde : 
My felfe do keepe the key, 

where lies the iewell, which 
Is thy delight, and onely ioy 

whom thou defirft lb much. 
But no miftruft I haue, 

thy motions are fo good : 
Thy rlocke, and flate, lb noble, as 

thou fhalt not be withflood. 
Wherefore (O makelefle man) 

let all delayes afide, 
Thy Ladie loues, and is content 

to be thy bounden bride. 
Retire, thou retchleffe wight, 

whofe lingring woundeth twaine : 
Two noble hearts fliall thinke them bleft 

when thou returne againe. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 5g 

Thefe wordes I wrote in bed, 
where oft I wifht for thee : 
Mine honour bids me pawfe at that, 

as yet it muft not be. 
Farewell, with Neftors yeeres, 

God fende thee happie daies : 
Remember, thou that louing mindes 

can broke no long delaies. 
Alas, for thee I die 

ten thoufand times a day : 
My fits be fierce, my griefe is great, 

wherefore difpatch away. 
I with thee Dsedals wings, 

or Perfeus praunfing fteed, 
Or els the cart that Phaeton rulde, 

but better farre to fpeed. 
In heart I am thy wife, 

if that content thy will ; 
Once more adeu, thy lingring long, 
thy faithfull friend will fpill, 

Thy long beloued in 

RA VENN A, 

EVPHYMIA. 



H 






TRAGICALL TALES. 




Guerra el miojiato, (lira, e di duol piena. 
Vegghio, penfo, ardo, piango. 

(FTSOONE replyde the knight, with friendly 
face, 
With gladfome heart, and trembling tong 

for ioye : 
Faire Nymph (quoth he) thy comming to 
this place 

Delights me much, and quits my great annoy. 
The thing, whereto thou faiil I fhall afpire, 
Is that which Ions' Nailagio did deflre. 

Thy meffage likes my minde exceeding well, 
And ilfh thy Ladie deales fo friendly now 
With me her thrall, forget not thou to tell. 
That by the Gods I make a folemne vow, 
Not to abufe her honour or defile 
Her noble name bv any wanton wile. 

My purpofe is, in good and godly fort, 
To take her to my lawful 1 wedded wife, 
And fo vnto the Lady make report, 
I fweare my felfe her hufband during life : 
Doe giue my Loue this Amathifte from niee, 
As pledge that I ere long with her will bee. 

And for thy paines, loe here a flender fumme, 
But better this, than no reward at all : 
3 meane to friende thee more in time to come, 
Farewell (faire fweete) accept my guerdon fmalh 



TRAGICALL TALES. 61 

The maid had money, thanks, and leaue to part, 
Whofe anfwere made her Ladie light of heart. 

And thereupon withouten longer flay, 
Vnto her friendes fliee brake her whole intent, 
As touching marriage, and withall did pray 
With willing mindes that they would giue confent, 
Vnfolding her effeclion to the man, 
And how in heart that onely courfe fhe ran. 

The aged parents of this willing wight, 
Perceiuing how their daughters minde was fet, 
And knowing eke the fanfie of the knight, 
Triumpht for ioy, and thought it finne to let 
Such honeft loue, or hinder marriage bande. 
The fliort is this, they wedded out of hand. 

A marriage day no looner gone and pafte, 
There were not in Rauenna man or wife, 
If you had fitted all from firft to laft, 
In greater glee that wafted all their life: 
She fhewde her felfe not halfe fo hard before, 
But being matcht, die loude him ten times more. 

And not alone this one good turne befell 
Naftagio, through this fodaine forced feare, 
But diners moe, that there about did dwell, 
Bepitied thofe that louing hearts did beare : 
And fuch as for good will had rigour fhowen, 
No more for foes, but louers would be knowen. 



02 



TRAGICALL TALES. 




HHICE bappie those I deenie aboue the rest, 
That ground good will, and fixe affection so, 
As in the end it fall out for the best, 
Not broken off by fortune, nor by foe : 
Seedes wisely sowen will prosper well and growe. 
But where aduise and luholsome counsel wants, 
Trees may notproue, they perish in the plants. 



Who makes his choice to loue in tender age, 
And scornes the skill of such as time hath taught, 
And headlong runnes at riot in his rage, 
Is like the birde in net by fowler caught, 
Bringing himselfe and all his wealth to naught: 
It cannot be but such as counsel! scorne, 
Must needes at length be vtterly forlorne. 

Tlic sicke that loathes to listen to his cure, 
And seehes no meane his maladie to cease, 
To die the death, for lache ofhelpe is sure. 
The carelesse man is full of wretchednesse : 
So raging loue brings balefull end, vnlesse 
The patient plie, and lend a bending eare, 
Vnto his friend, that willes to forbeare. 



Which seldome when in f rant ike youth is found, 
In case of loue where pleasure strikes the stroke, 
They hate the plaister that should heale the wound, 
And like the beast runne willing to the yoke, 
That with his straightnesse sundrie times doth choke. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 63 

The least anoy that fraile desires bestow, 

Is wracke of wealth, if quite the carcasse goe : 

Yea diuers times goodes, life, and al decayes, 
Through foolish luste, and wanton witlesse wil: 
So many be the driftes and double waies: 
That craftie dames doe put in practise still, 
As some they sotte, and other some thay kill. 
They little force, how raging louers rewe, 
So they themselues in peace the pageant vewe ! 

Not much vnlike the wilie witted boy 
That tiles his trappe to take the subtile foxe, 
Who clappes his handes, and makes the greatest ioy, 
When he perceiues false Reynard in the stockes, 
And for his labour giues ten thousand mockes: 
So craftie Dames contended are to lure 
Men on to hue, but scome them being sure. 

Their pranking beauties pricke them on to pride, 
Their feitured limmes bedeckt with natures die : 
Makes them followe rigour for their guide, 
And ouerlookes their friendes with hauglitie eye, 
Who for their loues are euen at point to die: 
Without regarde of spoyle, or of exptii 
Deeming them selues quite eleare of all offence. 

As in this processe plaine is set to viewe, 
Wherein a heauie mistresse playde her parte, 
Right weill contente to let Nastagio « v 
And for good will to reape disdaine and smarte, 
That loude her from the bottome of his hearte: 



64 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Who though he were ritche, and noble by descent, 
Yet might not make her marble minde relent. 

By lingring loue she made his monie mealte, 
As waxe doth weare against the flaming fire: 
Through her disdaine outragiously he dealt, 
Wasting his wealth to compasse fond desire, 
A great deale more than reason did require : 
She was the cause, for had not fancie bene, 
He would more neere vnto his profite seene. 

But icomens beauties bleare the clearest eyes, 
Their feeble force makes weake the luisest wittes, 
Their limber chaines the sturdie Champion ties, 
TJie grauest sage is thrall to loving fitts, 
TJie rockiest brest with bolt Cupido hittes: 
And who so thinkes to scape most cleare aioay, 
Is soonest caught, and muhes the longest stay. 

1 coulde accompte Cupido for a God 
When I respect his puissance and his might, 
If in his shaftes he were not found so odde, 
But would in case of liking deale aright, 
And force faire dames their louers to requite. 
But commonly when men in fancie burne, 
Then ivomens hartes are most vnapt to turne. 

When man doth rage, his Ladie lies at rest, 
When he laments, she Hues at quiet ease, 
She coldely loues, when he doth fancie best, 
And when she powtes, yet he must seeke to please, 
And make faire wether in the roughest seas: 



TRAGICALL TALES. 65 

Yea, and perhaps, at last when all is done, 
As farre to seeke as when he first begonne. 

As proues this noble man who hauing spente 
No slender summes in seruice of his loue, 
And barde hiraselfe, by racking of his rent: 
Yet could by no desert good lyking moue, 
In ruthlesse brest no pitties plantes might proue, 
Till feare of harmes her late repentance wrought, 
She could to clothe by no deuise be brought : 

But when in fine this bloody broile she sawe, 
And plainely vewde, amid the open groue 
The Ladies plagues, then was she pincht with awe 
Of like successe : then little Cupide stroue 
Within herbulke, because that she had woue 
The web that wrought Nastagio all his woe: 
And thereupon she lefte to be his foe. 

Then fell she flatte to fansie out of hande, 
Than sent she messege to bewray her mynde, 
Then did she let Nastagio vnderstande, 
How that she meant no more to be vnkinde, 
But willing was her selfe in matche to binde: 
WJiereby %ve see that sundry things are done, 
By force of feare, which wit had neuer wonnc 

Bat sure good will of feare that takes his grounde, 
But badly proues, a fancie forst in harte 
Full lightly fades, and seldom e tvhen is sounde, 
With euery heate tis ready to departe, 
It doth resemble colours made by arte. 



66 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Tlie franke consent in loue, tis euer best, 
Wlwm mccre affection breedes in yeelding brcst. 

Faire Ladies, beare with what I vtter here, 
Concerning women, and their deepe disgrace. 
I gyrde the coye, I leaue the courteous cleare, 
And this I say: Who fannies vpon the face 
Of any dame, and reapes a scornefull grace: 
Were she as braue as Paris Ladie was, 
For lotting so he proues himselfe an Asse. 

Who serues a, sot, and boives at euery becke, 
Without the guerdon that to loue is dewe, 
And playes his game at chesse to gayne a chccke, 
Deserucs the mate that doth the checke enseioe, 
Because he scornes his mischiefc to escheice: 
And she that hath a perfte friend to trust, 
Deserucs a plague, if she be found vnimt. 

You stately Dames, that peacoeklyke do pace, 
Through pride abusing such as are your thralls, 
Enforcing them for lacke of better grace, 
Vnto their bane, which sundrie times befalles, 
Not finding salue to cure their griefull galles: 
Euphymias plagues imprinte in heedefull mynde, 
And looke for like, if you be found vnkynde. 

Ama clii tama. 

Minor pcena Tantall we livfemo 
Pate, che chi di donna sta al gouemo. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



67 



The Argument to the second 

Hiiftorie. 




^\ f^ICOCRATES a cruell tyrant, slewe 
Sir Fsedimus, who had vnto his wife 
One Aretafila, of gallant hewe, 
And after, (hauing reft the husbands life) 
Did wedde this dame who though were made 

a queene 
Might not forget the niurther she had seen?. 
No loue deuise, no iewels fet from farre, 

Could so reelaime this noble Ladies minde, 

But that she would aduenture him to marre, 

Who slew her knight, whereat she so repinde: 

By poisoned drinke she meant to do the deede, 

But that was found, it might not well sueceede. 
The tyrants mother Caluia, tygreleeke, 

Procurde her plagues, and torments diuersly, 

For that the Queene to slay her sonne did seeke, 

But wisely she did slacke this crueltie: 

And made him thinke her sirupe was to proue, 

Where she might force in him a greater loue. 
Which shift allowed, she more in credit grew, 

The king forgaue, but she could not forget, 

But once againe deuisde a drifte anewe, 

Which as she thought, might lightly haue no let. 

The king a brother had, a wilfull wight, 

Bente all to loue, and he Leander hight. 



68 TRAGICALL TALES. 

This Ladie bare by Fedimus of yore, 
A daughter faire, whom she by practise sought, 
To couple with Leander euermore, 
Which macht at length with much ado was wroght, 
Then all the mothers skil, and daughters drifte, 
Was by this youth, the king from crown to lifte. 

By day the Queen the daughter did perswade, 
The wife by night did play her part so well, 
As in a while these two Leander made 
To vndertake to rid this tyrant fell: 
No dew regard of bloud, no care of kinde, 
Could stay the fact, this princoxe was so blinde. 

The king was slaine by cruell brothers hande, 
The realme releast of such bloudie foe, 
Leander then did gouerne all the lande, 
The hope was great that matters wel should goe: 
But when this youth had once atchiude the state, 
He scornde the Queene, and al her friends forgate. 

Puft vp with princely pride, he wore the crown, 
And lawlesse liude, so neare his brothers trade, 
As needefull was to seeke to put him downe : 
And thereupon the Queene this practise made, 
She hirde for coyne a noble man at armes, 
To slay her sonne, to salue her countries harmes. 

This warlike Captaine came from Libie lande, 
Who tooke by force this tyrant coward king, 
And gaue him vp into his mothers hande : 
A Noble dame that compast twice to bring 
Her realme to reste, and rigour to subdewe. 
Lo here the summe, the processe doth ensewe. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



69 




[I THIN Cyrene earft 

there dwelling was a Dame 
Namde Aretafila, of birthe 

and noble bloud lhe came, 
Elator was her Syre, 

a man of great renowme : 
Sir Fsedimus her hufband hight, 

the chiefe in all the towne 
For noble minde and wealth : 

this Ladie was fo well 
With bewtie dighte, as flie the relte, 

not onely did excell 
For feature of her face, 

that was full fayre to looke, 
But eke for graue Mineruas giftes, 

and cunning in her booke : 
Her facred giftes were great, 

her wifdome was as rare, 
As was her face, for fewe with her 

in learning might compare. 
What time this Ladie liude, 

a tyrant fierce and fell, 
Nicocrates, pofleft the lande 
where did this matron dwell. 



70 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Who many of the men 

that in the Citie were, 
Did do to fowle and fhamefull death, 

he kept them all in feare. 
They wilt not what to doe : 

Apollos prieft he flewe, 
His handes he nothing ftucke with blond 

of prophets to imbrue: 
Whom fhame, and finne it was 

with rigour to entreate, 
Refpecting what their office was, 

and why they kept the feate. 
At length this cruell king- 

thus hauing fundrie flaine, 
To trap Sir Fsedimus in fnare 

did beate his wilie brayne, 
And neuer gaue it off, 

till he had wrought his will : 
He thirfted for his bloud, whom he 

without offence did kill. 
And after hufbands death, 

this noble dame did wedde: 
Who had as leuer loll her life, 

as layne in tyrants bedde. 
But force did take effect, 

to ftriue it booted nought, 
(For tyrant lull doth (tande for lawe) 

to yeelde it bed fhe thought. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 71 

So monftroufly his minde 

too bloudie deedes was bent, 
As failing death without deferte 

might nothing him content. 
And looke as many as 

he forced fo to die, 
Hee caufed to be carried out, 

without the walles to lie, 
Amid the open fieldes, 

that they might neuer haue 
The reuerence to corfes due, 

nor honour of the graue. 
His Subiects when they fawe 

him bath him fo in blood, 
And that to flay the giltleffe wight 

it did this monfter good. 
Some, to auoide his handes, 

did make in wife they were 
Quite voide of life, to the ende they might 

be borne on the beare, 
And carried to the fielde, 

where dead did ufe to lie, 
They thought them bleit that by this wile 

could bleare the Princes eie. 
At length this fubtile fhift, 

the cruell king perceiude, 
And faw how to efcape his fcourge, 

they had him long deceyude : 



72 TRAGICALL TALES. 

To worke a furer way, 

at euery gate there was 
Appointed one, with charge to looke 

that no man there might paffe, 
In colour of the dead, 

who caufe he did not truft 
The bearers with his naked fworde 

the bodies vfde to thruft 
Through coffin where they lay, 

to make the matter fure : 
This great outrage of his, the Queene 

no longer coulde endure, 
But verie much miilikte 

thefe Tyrants trickes, and had 
Compaffion of her natiue foyle, 

and woulde been very glad 
With hazard of her life 

to rid this monfter quight, 
For hatred which fhee bare to him 

that murthred fo the knight 
Whom fhee full dearely loude : 

and albeit the king 
Made very great account of her, 

yet did fhee minde the thing 
Which fhee conceuide before 

and purpofde in her breaft, 
And till fhee had atchieude the fame, 

could neuer hue at reft. 



TRAGICALL TALES 

And though the Prince his power 

this dayly greater grewe, 
Had bred the Subiecls to difpayre 

their freedome to renewe, 
Or euer fafe to hue 

within their natiue land, 
Where fuch a cruell king did holde 

the fcepter in his hand : 
Yet did this noble dame 

conceiue a greater truft, 
To finde a time to worke her feate, 

which eyther doe fhee mud 
And fo at freedome fet 

her countrie men aofaine, 
And venge her louing hufbands death, 

or let them all be flaine, 
As hee, good knight, had beene. 

To pricke her on the more, 
Shee cald to minde the pradtife of 

a Theban dame before, 
That wife Fsersea hight : 
for doing of the which, 
The valiant women wan renowme, 

and was commended much. 
Whom fhee had great defire 

to follow in this deede : 
But when fhee faw for lack of aide 
and helping hands at need, 



74 TRAGICALL TALES. 

(Which tho the Theban had,) 

ihee could not doe the leeke: 
Shee meant to doe it with a thing 

that was not farre to feeke. 
Deuifing by a drinke, 

to rid the Tyrants life, 
Who flue her hufband by deceite 

and ford her to his wife. 
A poyfon fhee preparde, 

whereby as I fhall tell, 
In prefent perill of her life 

this ventrous Ladie fell. 
For ilill her purpofe failde, 

and being in the end 
Difcouered, and the matter found, 

which fhee did then pretende, 
Ditiembling could not ferue 

to falue the fore againe. 
For what good heart fhe bare the kinj 

did then appeare to plaine. 
The Tyrants mother eke, 

that Madame Caluia bight, 
Not louing Aretafila, 

(a dame of great defpight) 
Full fit to breede a babe 

of fuch a blooddie minde, 
(For children commonly are like 
vnto the mothers kinde) 



TRAGICALL TALES. 75 

Perfwadecl, that to death 

this Ladie fhould be done, 
As one that did pretend the fpoyle, 

and (laughter of her fonne. 
But what the great good will 

to her the Prince did beare, 
x\nd anfwere bold that fhee had made 

with vfage voyde of feare, 
Before the mother Queene, 
who there in open place, 
Accufde her of her murther ment, 

there Handing face to face, 
Did quit, her from the death. 

But when the proofe was fuch, 
And euidence fo plaine appearde, 

fo that ihee mought not much 
Excufe her of the fa 61, 

but that the poyfoned cup 
Was made by her, and meant vnto 

the king to drinke it vp : 
There Aretafila, 

before the Iudges face, 
In prefence of the Prince her fpoufe, 

did thus declare the cafe. 
My Soueraigne Lord and Loue, 

I cannot doe no leffe, 
But, that this cup I did procure, 
before thee now confeffe. 

K 



76 TRAGICALL TALES. 

My felfe the fyrrope made, 

and meant to giue it thee: 
But this I will proteft againe, 

not knowing it to be 
A venim rancke and vile, 

but verily did thinke 
By cunning to deuife this cup, 

and make a craftie drinke 
To caufe a man to loue: 

for knowe you this, that I 
Am fpited at, of fundrie that 

my marriage doe enuie. 
It greeues a number, that 

you beare me fuch good will, 
It is a gall to fome to fee 

that I fhoulde haue my fill 
Of treafure and attyre, 

and be a Prince his wife, 
And they themfelues to hue vnknowne, 

and lead a priuate life. 
I knowe they cannot well 

my happy Hate endure, 
But that they will at length deuife 

your friendfhip to allure, 
And caufe you call me off: 

which was the caufe that I 
Did brewe this drinke to keepe good wil. 
I thought it good to trye 



TRAGICALL TALES. 77 

By art to flay a friend, 

whom I by fortune wonne : 
x\nd if fo be I did offend, 

you cannot deeme it donne 
For malice, but good will, 

for hatred, but for zeale : 
Why mould I then condemned be 

that neuer meant to deale 
But as a louing wife? 

And if your pleafure be 
I fhall bee punifht for my fault, 

yet doe account of me 
Not as a witch, that woulde 

bereaue you of your life. 
But one that by enchauntment thought 

to make you Loue your wife, 
And match her in good will 

that doth extreemely loue: 
And who, to be belovde alike, 

dyd meane this Height to proue. 
When thus the Matron had, 

with manly mouth and grace, 
Ypleaded for her felfe, the Prince 

to whom pertaind the cafe, 
•Well liking this excufe, 

woulde not in any wife 
That fhee, who was his wife, fhoulde die : 

but this he did deuife, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

That there fliee fliould be rackt 

till time fliee would confefle 
The truth, and what ihee meant thereby 

in open place exprefle. 
When torment readie was, 

and rack there fet in place, 
Then cankred Caluia plaide her part, 

and laid her on a pace, 
Vntill fliee wearie woxe : 

lhee longed for her blood, 
Which made her earnefl in the cafe, 

and plague the Queene a good. 
But Aretafila, 

as one that forced nought 
Of all the paines fliee had indurde, 

difcouered not her thought : 
She nothing would confefle, 

but kept it in her minde, 
And hereupon deliuerde was. 

Nicocrates could finde 
No due defart of death. 

Then grew within his breaft 
A great remorfe for rigour fliowne 

to her he loued bed, 
Whom he without offence 

had put to cruell paine. 
Wherefore within a fpace the king 

began to loue againe : 



TRAGICALL TALES. 79 

And fanfie her as fait, 

deuifing fundry fhiftes, 
To winne her olde good will, he gaue 

her many goodly gifts. 
She could not want the thing 

the tyrant had in (lore, 
Who then but Aretafila, 

whom he had rackt before ? 
And ihe that was full wife, 

by countnance and by cheare, 
Did make as though the did embrace 

and helde the tyrant deare : 
But £1111 in flore fhe kept 

within her wrathfull minde, 
Remembrance of reuenge, till Ihe 

fit time and place might finde. 
And in her head fhe cut 

the patterne of his paine, 
How, if occafion fervde fhe mought 

auenge her hufbande flaine. 
By Fedimus fhe bare 

whillle he yet liuing was, 
A daughter that for honeft life 

and beautie braue did paffe. 
And fo befell it, that 

the king a brother had, 
Leander namde, a wilfull youth, 

and eke a wanton lad, 



80 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Much giuen to the loue 

of light alluring dames, 
To whom, as to a byting fifh, 
a bayte this mayden frames. 
To take him by the lippe, 
by forcerie fhe wrought, 
And cuppes that caufe a man to loue : 

whereby this youth fire brought 
Into her fubtil net: 

thus was Leander caught 
By loue deuifes, that the Queene 

vnto her daughter taught. 
This damfel hauing woonne 

Leander to her lure, 
So traynde him on, as fhe at laft 

the Princeffe did procure 
The tyrant to requeft, 

to yeelde him his defire, 
As touching mariage of the Mayde, 

that fet his minde on fire : 
Who when Leanders" loue 

and purpofe vnderftoode, 
To Aretafila to breake 

the fame he thought, it good. 
She willing was thereto, 

as one that wrought the wile : 
Nicocrates perceiuing that, 
denying it a while, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 31 

Yet graunted at the length : 

not willing to be feene 
An eneraie vnto the mayde, 

the daughter of the Queene. 
When all good willes were got, 

the mariage day drew neare, 
Vntill Leander wedded was, 

he thought it twentie yeere. 
To make the matter Ihort, 

I leaue for you to fcan, 
Both of the maydens rich attvre, 

and iewels of the man. 
I leaue the mufike out, 

I let the banket go : 
I lpeake not of the noble men 

that were at wedding tho. 
I write not of the wine, 

nor of the daintie cates, 
Affure your felues there wanted naught. 

that fitted royal flates. 
When wedding day was done, 

the wife to chamber went, 
And after her Leander came: 

where they in pleafure fpent 
The night, as cuftome is, 

and maried folkes do vfe: 
And felfe fame pleafure night by night 

from that day forth enfues. 



82 TRAGICALL TALES. 

The lately wedded wife 

behaude her felfe fo well, 
That ftill Leander ten times more 

to doting fanfie fell. 
Which when flie vnderftoode, 

a wench of wily witte, 
To fet her purpofe then abroch, 

fhe thought it paffing fit. 
A fyled tale fhe framde, 

and thus begun to fpeake: 
Mine owne (quoth fhee) the great good wil 

I beare you, makes me breake 
My minde and meaning nowe: 

the carke and care I haue, 
Is caufer that I will you from 

your brothers fword to faue 
Your life, whihle yet you may: 

you fee his monftrous minde, 
And how his hatefull tyrants heart 

is all to blood inclinde. 
You know his cruell deedes, 

I lhall not neede recite 
The fundry men that he hath flaine 

vpon a meere defpight: 
You viewe the gorie ground, 

where yet the bodies lie, 
You fee how tyrant like he deales, 

you fee with daily eye, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 83 

Such vndeferued deathes 

as wo it is to tell : 
In my conceite, if you fhould feeke, 

his fpoyle, you did but well. 
It were a worthie deede, 

and well deferuing prayfe, 
To murther him, and reaue his realme 

that fo his fubiects flays. 
To rid your natiue foyle 

of fuch a monfter, may 
Not onely gaine immortall fame 

that neuer fhall decay: 
But winne you fuch good will, 

in countrie and in towne, 
As by the meanes thereof, you may 

attaine the royall crowne, 
Which now your brother weares 

againft the peoples will, 
Who would (no doubt) elect you prince, 

if you the tyrant kill. 
To quit fo good a turne, 

and noble deede withall, 
But if you let him raigne a while, 

I feare, at laft you fhall 
Repent your long delay : 

your ftate is neuer fure, 
As long as he, the monfter hues, 

he will your bane procure. 



84 TRAGICALL TALES. 

What thraldome like to yours? 

howe wretched is your life? 
Haue you forgotten how you fude 

to him, to take a wife? 
Fie, fliarae, Leander, fie, 

I greatly difalow, 
That you who are his brother, mould 

vnto your brother bow. 
Put cafe he owe the crowne, 

is that a caufe that you 
May not go marry where you lift, 

but muft be forft to fue 
So like a boy, for leaue 

to choofe your felfe a make? 
Oh that I were a man, I would 

enforce the beaft to quake. 
Leander, if you loue 

or make account of me, 
Bereaue the monfter of his life : 

my mother longs to fee 
The Daughter of her fo, 

that flue my father earfl. 
With thefe her wordes Leander felt 

his heart fo throughly pearft, 
As vp from bed he flew, 

with minde to murther bent: 
To fucke his brothers bloud, ere long 

this wilfull marehant ment. 



TRAGICALL TALES. So 

Leander had a friend 

whom he did loue as life, 
Callde Danicles, to whom he rode 

and tolde him what his wife 
Had willde him take in hande, 

wherein his ayde he muft 
In whom efpecially he did 

repofe affured truft. 
Leander with his friend, 

when time and place did ferue ; 
Nicocrates the tyrant flue, 

as he did well deferue. 
And hauing done the deed, 

achieude the kingly Crowne, 
He flrake the ftroke, and ruler was, 

and gouernde all the towne. 
Thus he in office plafte, 

puft vp with princely might, 
Not forcing Aretafila, 

his mother law awhit, 
Nor any of hir blood : 

once hauing got the raigne, 
Did all the worlde to vnderflande 

by that his high difdaine, 
That he his brother flue 

for rancour and defpight: 
Not for defire his Countrey foyle 

from tyrants handes to quight. 



86 TRAGICALL TALES. 

So loathfome all his lawes, 

fo ftraunge his ftatutes were, ' 
Such folly in his royfting rule, 

as made the people feare, 
Their former foe to haue 

bene rayfde to life againe, 
Who was not many dayes before 

by this Leander flaine. 
When Aretafila 

fawe howe the game did go, 
And that Leander in his fway 

did vfe the matter fo, 
And proudly rulde the realme, 

elteeming her fo light, 
Who hoped by his brothers death, 

the countrie had bene quight 
Releaft of tyrants rage : 

when fhe perceiude (I fay) 
Howe haughtily his heart was bent, 

flie meant her part to play : 
In ridding of the realme 

of fuch a cruel king, 
That kept his fubie6ls fo in awe, 

and vnder yoke did wring : 
A frefh report was blowne 

of one Anabus, bred 
In Libie lande, a Martial man 
that all his life had led 



TRAGICALL TALES. 87 

In face of foraine foes : 

with him this wily dame 
Did practife, and fuch order tooke, 

as he with army came 
Leander to fubdue : 

who being nigh at hand, 
With mightie troupe of warlike wights, 

to ouercom the land : 
The Queene, his mother lawe, 

as one that were difmaide, 
To worke her wile, Leander cald, 

and thus to him fhee faid: 
Loe here (good fonne) you fee 

how nie your mightie foe 
Is come to bid you battaile, and 

your Captaines are (you know) 
Not to be matcht with his : 

behold what men they are : 
Well ikild in feats that touch the fielde, 

and traind in trade of warre. 
Your fouldiers are but fheepe, 

for battaile farre vnfit: 
Befides their pollicies are great, 

your Captaines haue no wit 
To deale in fuch a cafe, 

that toucheth Princes ilate : 
Againe, there commes no honour by 

fuch brawles, and broyling hate : 



^ TRAGICALL TALES. 

Confider with your felfe, 

you fcarfly haue as yet 
Good footing gotten in your raigne, 

vnftable (fonne) you fit, 
And like to take a fall : 

whereof if womans braine 
May giue good counfaile to the wife, 

I would (I tell you plaine,) 
Your foe and you were friendes : 

I would allow it well, 
If you with Captaine Anabus 

to truce and concord fell. 
I doe prefume on this, 

and dare to vndertake, 
That you ihall fafely come to talke, 

by meanes that I will make 
With him that is your foe : 

the wordes his mother fpake 
Leander liked verie well 

and in good part did take. 
Defirous of a parle, 

but ere the pointed day 
Of talke betwixt the Captaines came, 

flie fent a Poafl away, 
A mefienger of trull, 

Anabus to entreate, 
That when Leander iflude out, 

then he fliould worke his feate, 



TRAGICALL TALES. S9 

And either flaye him there, 

by force in open fielde, 
Or vnto her, the cruell king 

in chaines a captiue yeeld : 
In recompence whereof 

fire made a large beheft, 
Of gold that flie would franklike giue : 

whereto this greedie gefl, 
The Lybian man of warre, 

full gladly lent his eare. 
Leander (as the nature is 

of Tyrants) flood in feare, 
Deferring day of parle, 

vnwilling foorth to goe, 
But Ladie Aretafila 

ilill lay vpon him fo, 
As very fhame at laft 

did further this intent : 
And fhee, to egge him on the more, 

made promife if he went 
To fet her foote by his, 

and looke the foe in face : 
Which moude Leander very much, 

and mended well the cafe. 
So out at length they paffe, 

difarmd he and his, 
As one that meant to treate of truce, 

for fo the cuftome is. 



90 TRAGICALL TALES. 



Anabus feeing this, 

to counter him began, 
And with his power approched neare : 

Leander fearfull man 
Would gladly made a flop, 

and gazde about the place : 
To viewe his gard that mould affift 

and helpe in needfull cafe. 
But how much more he feemde 

to linger on the way: 
So much the more his mother lawe, 

by words, that fhee did fay 
As touching his reproch 

of fearefull cowards heart, 
Did pricke Leander onward ftill, 

not letting him to part. 
At length the Lady, when 

of force he would have ftaid, 
Vpon the wretched daftard wight 

hir feeble fingers laid: 
And by the ayde of men 

whom there fhee had in place, 
She brought him bound both hand and foot, 

before Anabus face. 
And captiue gaue him vp, 

to hue in lothfome holde, 
Vntill the Queene, as promife was, 

hee payd him all his golde. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 91 

Then he eftibone retyres 

vnto the towne againe, 
Declaring what fucceffe fhe had, 

and what a fpitefull paine 
Shee tooke or eare fhee could 

that blooddie beaftlie king 
Depofe and rid him from the realme, 

and fo to bondage bring. 
The people paffing glad 

that he was fo difplafte, 
Did make a common purfe, to pay 

the Lybian Duke in hafte : 
Who hauing told the crownes, 

did fend Leander backe 
Vnto the Queene: and fhee enclofde 

the monfter in a facke, 
And caufd him to be caft 

from off a mountaine hie, 
Into the Sea, to drowne the beaft 

that wel deferude to die. 
Then Calnya, fhee was caught, 

and to a piller tied, 
And there the cruell croked queane, 

with flaming fagots fried, 
Till all her aged bones 

to allies were confumde, 
That oft in youth with Ciuet fweete 

and Amber were perfumde. 

M 



92 TRAGICALL TALES. 

When all this broile was done, 

the townefmen in a ranke, 
Kneeld downe to Aretafila, 

and highly did her thanke, 
For freedome got againe, 

with perill of her life. 
I neede not here exprelle the ioyes 

of maiden, man, and wife. 
For all reioyft alike, 

not one in all the towne, 
Nor countrie, but was glad at heart 

that they had wonne the crowne 
Into their hands againe, 

and fhapte the Tyrants fcourge, 
Then gan they all with one confent 

the aged dame to vrge, 
With helpe of chofen men, 

to gouerne all the land: 
For vantage of the publike weale, 

me tooke the charge in hand. 
Becaufe we lightly fee 

when Peeres and Princes faile, 
Then runnes the common welth to wreck, 

as fhippe without a faile. 
But when fhe faw the realme 

at good and quiet flay, 
And vnderflood that commons did 

with willing minds obay 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



93 



Vnto their lawfull heads, 

the Senate fhe bethought, 
To take the gouernment a frefh: 

her felfe vnfit fhe thought 
To deale in cafe of ftate, 

then tooke they all the charge, 
And did the Ladie from the crowne, 

and troubles quite difcharge. 
Thus hauing rid the realme 

of two fuch blooddie foes, 
Into a Nunnrie, there to ende 

her life this Ladie goes. 
Where the deuoutly dwelt, 

and to her praiers fell: 
And asJJiee Rude in vertue earfi, 

Jo didejliee very well. 



t Utnuog* 




HO sits aloft in sacred Princes seate, 

And wieldes his realme by loue and not by 

dread, 
Whose puisant hand by niildnesse doth entreate 
The silly rowte that vnder him is led: 
Shall safely raigne, and hold his scepter sure, 
A courteous king doth lightly long endure. 



But who so raignes in threatning tyrants throne, 
Bathing in blood his haughtie hungre chaps, 



94 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And rules by force, is surely ouerthrowne. 

The Goddes assigne such Soueraines sory haps, 

It may not last, that so esceedeth reason, 

The truest hearts, by force are brought to treason. 

A pleasant porte doth rule a raging horse, 
When harder brakes doe breake the mouth too much, 
And makes the colt to steare with all his force: 
Rough handed Surgeons make the patient grutch. 
The Pilote that by skyll the shyp doth guide, 
And not by myght, makes vessels broeke the tyde. 

A lawlesse peere by law deserues to die, 
True iustice payes the blooddie home their hyre, 
And blood mispilt for vengeance aye doth crie, 
Lex talionis doth the lyke requyre: 
As in this tale that heere my Muse hath told, 
Of brothers two, each man may well behold. 

Could Dyonisius deale with greater force ? 
Or fearefull Phalatis with more despite? 
Than did Nycocrates, w-ithout remorse 
That slew hys silly subiects lawlesse quight? 
Did not Leander deale in monstrous wise, 
Whom brothers blood might not alone suffyce? 

Prease hither Peeres, whose heads with crownes are clad, 
Who hold the kingly scepters in your hands : 
Behold the end that blooddie tyrants had, 
A mirrour make of these to rule your landes : 
With all, see heere a Ladies manly minde, 
Whom God to wreake this bloodshed had assignde. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 95 



Marke how the fyrst was blinded all with blood, 
The husband slayne, and sundrie moe beside, 
To wed the wife this monster thought it good, 
Note how the Gods herein theyr scourge dyd hide, 
For who but he woulde trust a wronged wyght, 
Or place her in his naked bed at night? 

Looke how Leander lewde by wyle was wonne, 
And led by lust to worke his brothers woe: 
And more than that, see how this beast did runne 
A wicked race, and woxe his mothers foe. 
Note how the heauens made leuell yet at last, 
And plagude by death his blooddy dealings past. 
Aut sero, Aut citius. 




96 TRAGICALL TALES. 

The Argument to the third 

Hijlorie. 

3ENTILE loude one Nicoluccios wife, 

Faire Catiline, a matrone graue.and wise: 
Whom to corrnpte sith he might not deuise, 
He parted thence to leade a grauer life. 
For she was bent to scorne such masking mates, 
As houerd still about her husbands gates. 
Within a while this Nicoluccio, 

(His Ladie great with childe) was forst to ride 

In haste from home, and leaue her there as guide: 

Whom sodayne griefe assaylde by fortune so, 

As Phisicke, friends, and all that sawe the chance, 

Did yelde her dead, she lay in such a traunce. 
The senslesse corse was to the Church conueide, 

And buried there with many a weeping eye: 

The brute was blowne abrode both farre and nye. 

Reporte once spread is hardly to be stai/de. 

Gentile hearing how the matter went, 

His Ladies losse did bitterly lament. 

At length when teares had well dischargde his woe, 

And sorrowe slakte, a friend of his and hee, 

Tooke horse, and rode by night, that none might see 

Whether they ment, or wherabout to goe. 

To Church he came, dismounted from his horse, 

He entred in, and vp he tooke the corse, 
With full intent to dallie with the dead, 

Which he in life by suite could never winne: 

He coide, he kist, he handled cheeke and chinne, 

He left no limine vnfelte from heele to head: 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



97 



So long he staide, at last the infant steerd 
Within her wombe, whereby some life appeerde. 

By fellowes helpc he bore the body thence, 
Home to his aged mother where she dwelt: 
Who moude to ruthe, with her so frendly delt, 
As to reuiue her, sparde for [no] expence. 
She could not vse her owne with greater care, 
So choyse her cheere, so daintie was hir fare. 

When time was come for nature to vnfolde 
Her coferd ware, this dame was brought a bed. 
And by Gentiles meanes had happily sped: 
And he forthwith a solemne feast did holde, 
Where, to the husband, both the wife and boy 
Surrendred were, to his exceeding ioye. 




OLOGNA is a towne 

of Lumbardie you know, 
A citie very brauely builte, 

and much fet out to fhewe : 
Where as in auncient dayes 
a famous knight there dwelde, 



Who for good giftes and linage both 

all others farre excelde : 
A man commended much, 

Gentile was his name. 
This worthy gallant fell in loue 

by fortune, with a dame 
That Catilina hight, 

one Nicoluccios wyfe, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

A paffing faire, and featurde wenche, 

and ledde an honeft life, 
And loude her hufband fo, 

as flie did little waye, 
The frendfhip of enamored youthes, 

nor ought that they could fay. 
This Gentleman that fawe 

the Ladies faithfull breaft, 
And how he could by no deuice 

to him her fanfie wrelt, 
Nor enter in her grace, 

whom he did loue fo well, 
Nor by good feruice gaine good will, 

to deepe defpaire he fell. 
And hereupon vnto 

Modena he retyrde, 
And bore an office in the towne, 

as one thereto defyrde. 
It fortunde on a time 

when Nicoluccio rode 
From home, as touching his affaires, 

and that his wife abode 
A three myles off the towne, 

where he had buylte a graunge, 
To make her mery with her friendes, 

and eke the ayre to chaunge : 
Then being great with childe, 

not many weekes to goe : 



TRAGICALL TALES. 99 

This Lady had a great mifhap, 

as here my pen fhall fhowe. 
A griefe, I wote not what, 

with fuch a fodayne force 
And monftrous might, befell the dame, 

and conquerde fore her corfe, 
As in the Ladies limmes 

no fparke of life appeerde, 
And more than that, an other thing 

there was, that molt difcheerde 
Her kinffolkes then in place: 
for fuch as had good fight 
And fkill in Phyfike, deemde her dead, 

and gaue her ouer quight. 
And thereupon her friends 

that wifle howe matters went, 
By her report in time of life, 

and howe that fhe had fpent 
Not full fo many monthes, 
as giue a babee breath, 
And make it vp a perfect childe : 
when once they fawe her death. 
Not making farther fearche, 

in cafe as there fhe laye, 
Vnto a Church, not farre from thence, 

the carcaffe did conuay, 
And gaue it there a graue, 
as Ladies vfe to lye. 

N 



100 TRAGICALL TALES. 

The bodie being buried thus, 

a friende of his did hye 
Him to Gentile ftraight, 

to tell him of the newes, 
Who though was fardeft from her grace, 

yet could none other chufe 
But forrowe at her death. 

When greateft greefe was pall, 
And that he had bethought awhile, 

thus out he brake at lafl. 
Loe (Lady) lo, (quoth he) 

nowe art thou dead in graue, 
Nowe (Madame Catilina) I, 

who during life could haue 
Not one good frendly looke, 

nor fweete regarding eye, 
Will be fo bolde to fleale a kiffe 

as you in coffin lie. 
Nowe booteth no defence, 

you cannot now refill : 
Wherefore (allure thee) Lady nowe, 

thou fhalt be fweetely kilt. 
Howe dead foeuer thou arte, 

nowe will I take delight. 
And hauing tolde his tale, the day 

withdrewe, and made it night : 
Then taking order howe 

he mought, that none might fee, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 101 

Difpatche and goe vnto the place, 

his truftie frend and hee, 
Vpon their geldings raounte, 

and neuer made a ftaye 
Vntill they came vnto the Church, 

where dead the Ladie laye: 
Where being lighted off 

their horfes, in they goe, 
And vp they brake the coffyn ilraight, 

and he that loude her fo, 
Laye by the Ladies fide, 

and clapte his face to hers, 
And lent her many a louing kifie, 

and bathde her bread with teares, 
Lamenting very fore. 

But as we daily fee, 
The lull of man not long content, 

doth euer long to bee, 
Proceeding farther on : 

but mofle of all the reft, 
The fonde defire of fuch as are 

with raging loue poffeft. 
So he that had refolude 

no longer there to ftaye, 
But doe his feate, and home agayne, 

thus to himfelfe gan faye : 
Oh, fith I nowe am here 

why ihould I idle ftande ? 



102 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Why doe not I this breaft of thine 

imbrace, and feele with hande? 
I neuer after this, 

fhall touch it fo againe, 
Nor neuer mynde, Gentile thus 

proceeding in his vaine, 
Into her bofome thruft 

his hande beneath her pappe, 
And flaying there a little fpace, 

did feele a thing by happe, 
Within her wombe to wagge, 

and beat againfl her brefl: 
Whereof at firfl he woxe amazde, 

but after repoiiefl 
Of wittes and fenfe againe, 

a further triall hee 
Did make, and then he found the code 

not thorugh dead to bee, 
Though little were the life, 

yet fome he knew for trouth, 
To reft within the Ladies limmes : 

wherefore the gallants both, 
From out the coffyn tooke 

this lately buried corfe, 
And vp they leapte in all the poait, 

and layde her on the horfe 
Before the laddie bowe, 

and home in hafte thev ride, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 103 

Both to recouer life againe, 

and fearing to be fpyde. 
Thus clofely was fhe brought 

within Bologna walles, 
Vnto Gentiles houfe, where he 

vpon his mother calles, 
Requeiling her to helpe, 

the cafe required hafle. 
His mother being graue and wyfe, 

receiude the corfe as fad 
As flie good matron mought : 

which deede of pitie done, 
Both who fhe was, and what had hapt, 

demaunded of her fonne : 
Who tolde her all the newes, 

and how the fortune fell, 
Which when the matron vnderftood, 

and wift the matter well : 
To ruth and mercy moude, 

(as is a womans guife) 
Shee makes her fire, lhe heats her bathes, 

and fo the carkas plyes, 
With chafing vp and downe, 

and rubbing euerie vaine : 
As fhee at laft had made the life 

and fenfes come againe : 
Her wandring wits retyrde, 

that earft had been affray, 



104 TRAGICALL TALES. 



And being thus reuiude, at length 

thus fighing gan fhee fay: 
Alas, where am I nowe? 

what place is this (quoth ihee?) 
Gentiles chearfull mother faide, 

a place full fit for thee. 
With that lhee fomewhat woxe 

aduifde, but will not where 
Shee was beflead, when that at laft 

flie fawe Gentile there: 
Amazed in her minde, 

requefted of the dame 
To tell her of the cafe, and how 

vnto her houfe fhe came. 
Gentile thereupon 

the whole difcourfe begonne, 
And did vnfold from point to point 

how euerie thing was done. 
Whereof fhe wofull woxe 

and penfiue for a fpace : 
But yet at length thee gaue him thankes 

for all his former grace 
And curtelies iraployde: 

and as he euer bore 
A true and faithfull heart to her 

in all her life before, 
And as he was a man 

in whom good nature were: 



TRAGICALL TALES. 105 

So did fliee craue him that fliee might 

not be abufed there: 
But fafely be conuaide 

vnto her graunge againe, 
And to her hufbandes houfe vntouchte 

without difhonours ftaine. 
To whom Gentile thus 

replide: Well dame (quoth hee) 
How great foeuer the loue hath been 

which I haue borne to thee, 
Before this prefent day, 

I doe not purpofe now, 
Nor after this at any time, 

(fince God would this allowe 
Me grace to faue thy life, 

and raife thee from the pit : 
And loue which I haue alwayes meant 

to thee hath caufed it :) 
I purpofe not, I fay, 

to deale in other wife, 
Than if thou were my filler deare, 

this promife fhall fuffice. 
But this good turne that I 

haue done to you this night, 
Doth well deferue, that you the fame 

in fome refpeel requight. 
Wherefore I mail defire 

that you with willing breft, 



106 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Wyll friendly graunt me my demaunde, 

and yeeld me one requefl. 
Whereto the humble dame 

agreed, and was content, 
If fo flie coulde, and h on eft were 

the fute Gentile merit. 
Then fpake the courteous knight: 

Well (Madame) this is true, 
That both your parents and your friends 

of Boline, thinke that you 
Are buried low enough 

in coffin cloflie layde, 
None taries you at home as now, 

they all doe deeme you dead, 
Wherefore my fmall requefl 

and fimple fute flialbe, 
That with my mother here to flay 

yee will vouchfafe, and me, 
In fecrete and vnfeene, 

vntill fuch time as I 
May to Modena goe and come 

againe, I meane to hie. 
The caufe that makes me craue 

and afke this lingring flay, 
Is, that in prefence of the beft, 

and chiefe that beare the fway 
Within the towne, I minde 

to giue you as a gift, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 107 

And to prefent you to your fpoufe, 

this is my only drift. 
The Ladie knowing: that 
Gentile was her friend, 
And faw that honeft was his fute, 

did quickly condefcend : 
Though greatly fliee defirde, 

new brought to life againe, 
To fee and comfort thofe her friends 

that mournde for her amaine: 
Shee promift on her faith, 

with her to tame there. 
And yer her tale was througly told, 

her time was come to beare 
The Babe wherewith fhee went, 

fhee muft to trauaile ftraight. 
The Matron euer at an inch 

did on this Ladie waite : 
And vfde the matter fo, 

as in a day or twaine, 
She was deliuerde of a boy, 

and ouercame her paine. 
Whereat Gentile ioyde, 

and eke the dame that had 
Such great good hap and paffing lucke, 

did waxe exceeding glad. 
The knight difpofde his things, 

and vfde the matter fo, 



108 TRAGICALL TALES. 

As fhee had been his wedded wife : 

and thereupon did goe 
Vnto Mod ena, where 

an office he had borne, 
And there he ftaied vntill fuch time 

as all his yere was worne. 
And felfe fame day that he 

accompted on, to make 
Returne vnto his mothers houfe 

at Boline, he befpake, 
That diners of the Hates, 

and chiefeit men that were 
Within the towne, fhould be his gueftes. 

There was of purpofe there, 
That Nicoluccio, who 

did owe this gentle dame. 
As foone as to his mothers houfe 

this luftie gallant came, 
The mafter of the feaft 

difmounted, in hee hyes: 
Where, when among his other gueftes, 

the Ladie he efpies, 
And eke her fucking fonne, 

that hung vpon her breaft, 
Hee was the meerieft man aliue : 

then plafte he euery gueft 
In order as their ftate 

and calling did require. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 109 

There wanted not a deintie difh, 

that Courtiers could defire: 
When walhing time drewe nye, 

and euery man at boorde 
Had vittled well, and all was whifte, 

and no man fpake a worde: 
The Ladie being taught 

her lefibn long ere that, 
And well inftrudled in the cafe, 

and knowyng what was what, 
Gentile thus begunne 

his folemne tale to tell : 
My Lords and gueftes (quoth hee) I like 

the order paffing well 
That men of Perfie vfe : 

for when they make a feaft, 
In honour of their friends whom they 

doe loue and fanfie beft, 
They bid them to their houfe, 

and fet before their eyes 
The chiefeft iewell which they haue, 

and good, of greateft price, 
What thing foeuer it be: 

his wife, with whom he fleepes, 
His daintie daughter, or his wench, 

whome hee for pleafure keepes. 
He nothing hides as then, 

or locks from open fight : 



110 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Affirming by this deede of his, 

that likewife (if he might) 
He woulde vnfold the heart 

that lyes within his breaft, 
Which cuftome I in Bologne minde 

to practife to my gueft. 
You honour this my feaft 

with noble prefence here, 
And I will play the Perfians part : 

looke what I hold molt deare, 
And chiefly doe efleeme, 

or fauour in my heart, 
Or euer ihall regard or weigh, 

will ihow you or you part. 
But fiift I fhall requeft 

or ere I bring it out, 
That you will heere decide a cafe, 

and rid me out of doubt, 
Which I myfelfe will moue. 

There is a noble man, 
Who hath a feruant in his houfe 

that doth the belt he can 
To pleafe his matters minde, 

hee doth at nothing flick: 
This truftie painfull feruant falles 

at length exceeding ficke, 
The retchleffe matter, not 

regarding him at all, 



TRAGICALL TALES. HI 

Nor forcing what by fuch difeafe 

his feruant may befall, 
Conuayes him out of doore, 

in open flreat to lie, 
To finke or fwimme, to mende or paire, 

to hue or els to die. 
A Straunger commes by happe, 

and he to mercy moude, 
To fee the poore difeafde foule 

fo flenderly beloude, 
In danger of his death, 

to lie amids the ftreat : 
A place for fuch as are in paine, 

too colde and farre vnmeete: 
Doth beare him to his home, 

and takes fuch tender care 
Of him, and plies him fo with fire 

and comfortable fare, 
As both recouers limmes 

and gettes his former flrength, 
And fettes this feeble feruant vp 

vpon his legges at length : 
How gladly would I learne 

which of thefe both doth beft 
Deferue to haue this feruaunt, who 

was lately fo diftreft? 
Where he that ought him firft 

and gaue him off in grief, 



112 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Or he that pitied him in paine 

and holpe him to relief? 
And if the maifter, who 

fo cruelly did deale 
In time of ficknefle, will the man 

that did his feruant heale, 
To yeelde him vp againe, 

where he by lawe and right 
May well with hold the feruant, whom 

he holpe in wretched plight? 
The gentlemen among 

themfelues debated harde, 
But drewe in one felfe firing: at length 

the matter was refarde 
To Nicoluccio, who 

(becaufe he could full well 
Difcerne of matters, and his tale 

infkilfull order tell) 
Should giue the verdit vp. 

He highly did commend 
The vfe of Perfia, with the reft 

concluding in the end, 
Which was, that he whom firft 

this filly foule did feme, 
Of right could lay no lawfull clayme : 

full ill he did deferue 
A maifters name, that when 
his feruant was at worft, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 113 

Would turne him off, and let him lie: 

&ut he that when the furft 
Had played this cruell parte, 

did curteoufly entreate 
The ficke and outcaft, ayding him 

with Phifike and with meate, 
He mought by law and righte, 

no preiudice at all 
Done to the firft, enioy the man, 

and him his feruant call. 
Then all the other gueftes 

that at the banquet were, 
Affirmde the fame that Nicoluccio 

had pronounced there : 
The knight who moude the cafe, 

as one that was content 
With fuch an anfwere, and the more, 

for that with him it went, 
Concluded, that he thought 

as all the other faide: 
And now (quoth he) I thinke that I 

fufficiently haue ftayde. 
Now time it is that I 

performe my promife made, 
In that I meant to honour you, 

as is the Perfians trade. 
With that he calls to him 

a couple of his friendes, 



114 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Familiar, and of greateft truft, 

whom he in meffage fendes 
Vnto the Ladie, that 

was clad in braue araye, 
Within a chamber, willing hir 

that the would come her way, 
To cheere his Royall guefles, 

with prefence of her felfe. 
The Ladie taking in her armes 

that litle puling elfe, 
That was fo lately borne, 

came in, and thother too 
Attending on her, and as earft 

Gentile willde her doe, 
She fate her downe befide 

a guett, a Noble man, 
And then the Knight that made the feait 

his proceffe thus began : 
Loe, Lordings, here beholde 

the thing whereof I fpake, 
This is the iewell, whereof I 

fuch great accompt doe make, 
And euer doe entend, 

of nothing elfe fo much 
I force, as this: now iudge your felfes, 

where it be worthy fuch 
Regard as I beftowe: 

marke euery member well : 



TRAGICALL TALES. 115 

With that the ftates, to honour of 

this featurd Ladie fell, 
And praifde her very much, 

affirming to the knight, 
That finne it were not to efleeme 

fo fayre and braue a wight. 
The arueftes begonne to gaze, 

and fome there were in place, 
That would haue fworne, that fhe had ben 

the very fame fhe was, 
Saue that they knew that fhe 

was buried long agoe. 
But moil of all the other gueftes, 

that Nicoluccio, 
The hufband of the Dame, 

this louely Lady eyde : 
And when Gentile did by chaunce 

and fortune fleppe afide, 
As one that had defire 

to queflion with the Dame, 
No longer able to withhold : 

demaunded whence flie came, 
Where fhe a flranger were, 

or els in Bologne borne? 
The Lady knowing who it was, 

fhould fhe not bene forfworne. 
Would' to her hufband tolde 

and opened all the cafe : 



116 TRAGICALL TALES. 

But to difcharge her promife made, 

the helde her peace, with face 
As modeft as the mighte. 

Some other afked, where 
That little pretie boy was hers 

which flie at brealt did beare? 
And other did demaund, 

where me were ought allyde, 
Or were Gentiles daughter deare? 

fhe not a word replide. 
With that the feafler came, 

your iewel fir (quoth ibme 
That fate at borde) is palling faire, 

but is too feeming dombe. 
What? is fhe fo in deede? 

whereto Gentile faid: 
It yeeldes no flender token of 

her vertue that fhe (laid 
And helde her tong as now. 

Declare (quoth they) to vs 
What Dame fhe is? to which requeft 

Gentile anfwearde thus : 
I will with all my heart 

declare the truth (quoth he) 
If you, vntill the whole difcourl'e 

be told, will promife me, 
Not once to moue a foote, 

but euery one to keepe 



TRAGICALL TALES. 117 

His place : whereto they all agreed, 

and gan to fweare by deepe 
And very folemne othes 

to compliihe his requeft. 
The table being taken vp, 

the keeper of the feafl 
Sate by the Ladies fide, 

and thus began to tell : 
This woman is the feruant true, 

that ferude her mailer well, 
Of whom I fpake right now, 

when I your iudgements craude. 
This is the feruaunt ilbeloude, 

that when fhe had behaude 
Hir felfe in eache refpecl 

as fitted fuch a one, 
Was lhaken off, and turnd to graffe, 

in ftreetes to make her moane : 
Whom I, to pitie moude, 

did fuccour as I might, 
And by my care and handie helpe, 

from prefent death did quight: 
And mightie God, that fawe 

the great good heart I bare, 
Reflord her from that loathfome corfe 

vnto this bewtie rare. 
But to the ende you may 

more plainely vnderftand 



118 TRAGICALL TALES. 

How thefe aduentures me befell, 

I purpofe out of hand, 
In fliort difcourfe to fhevve 

and open all the cafe. 
Then gan he to vnfold his loue, 

and how he fude for grace 
Vnto this worthy dame, 

whofe bewtie pearft his breft: 
And palled fo, from point to point, 

vnripping all the reft, 
Diftinctly from the firft : 

which made the hearers mule, 
To liften to this long difcourfe 

of ftrange and wondrous newes. 
And hauing tolde the whole 

as I before haue pende, 
Both how he loude, and how fne died, 

thus clofde he vp the ende. 
Wherefore (my Lordes) quoth he, 

vnleffe you haue of late 
Ychangd your thoughts and minds anew 

fince you at table fate: 
And chiefly you, (and points 

to Nicoluccio) ihe 
Whom here you view, of right is mine, 

and only due too me. 
No lawfull tittle may, 

or rightfull clayme be layde 



TRAGICALL TALES. 119 



To chalenge her from me againe, 

was no man there that fayde 
A woorde, but all were ftill 

to heare thofe matters pafte, 
And for defire to learne the reft, 

and what he meant at lafte. 
Good Nicoluccio, 

and all the reft befide 
That Drefent were, and eake the dame 

no longer could abide, 
But out they burft in teares, 

and wept for pities fake. 
With that Gentile Handing vp, 

the little babe did take, 
And bare betwixt his armes, 

and led the Ladie eke 
By one hande to her hulband warde, 

and thus began to fpeake: 
Stand vp (good Goffup mine) 

I doe not heere reftore 
To you your wife, whom both her friends 

and yours refufd before, 
And as an outcaft fcornd : 

but frankly giue this dame 
My Goffup and her little childe 

that of her bodie came, 
To thee, for this of troth 

I know, the babe is thine, 



120 TRAGICALL TALES. 



Begot by thee, I chriftened it, 

it beares this name of mine, 
And is Gentile calde : 

and my requeft fhall bee, 
That through three months, this Ladie hath 

been foioraefie with me, 
Thou wilt no leffe efteeme 

of her, or worfe good will 
Beftow on her, than though fhee had 

with thee continued ftill. 
And by that felfe fame God 

which forced me to beare 
Such loue, as by that loue to faue 

her life, to thee I fweare, 
That, neither with her friends, 

nor with thy parents, fhee, 
No, not with thee her fpoufe, fhe eoulde 

in greater furetie be 
As touching honefl life, 

than with my mother deare: 
Allure thy felfe, fhee neuer was 

abufde, nor tempted heere. 
This proceffe being tolde, 

Gentile turnde him rounde 
Vnto the Lady (dame quoth he) 

you know, I had you bounde 
By faith and lawfull oath: 

I quit you heere of all, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 121 

And fet you free aboorde againe. 

and goe againe you fhall 
To Nicoluccio, and 

with that both wife and brat 
To Nicoluccios handes he gaue, 

and downe Gentile fate. 
The hufbande did receiue 

his wife with willing hande, 
And eke the babe: and how much more 

he in difpayre did ftande 
Of hauing her againe, 

whom hee accounted dead : 
The greater was his ioy and mirth 

when he fo happily fped. 
In recompence whereof, 

he yeelded to the Knight 
Gentile, for his great good turne, 

the greateft thankes he might. 
And all the reft befide, 

that were to pitie moude, 
Gentiles nature did commend: 

hee dearely was beloude 
Of all that heard the cafe, 

and feafted there that day. 
Thus will I leaue the matron, and 

her fonne at. home to (lay. 
Thefe matters ended thus, 

ech guell his horfe did take, 



122 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And parted from Gentiles houfe, 

that did the banket make. 
Home rode the man and wife 

vnto their grange with ipeede, 
The cheare which was at her returne, 

and welcome, did exceede. 
The people maruailde much, 

that fliee who buried was, 
Could hue againe, and euer as 

fhee through the ftreetes mould pafle, 
In Bolyne men did gaze, 

and greatly view the dame. 
And from that day Gentile ftill 

a faithfull friend became 
To Nicoluccio, and 

the parents of his wife, 
Whom hee by vertue of his loue 

had raifde from death to life. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



123 



Wbt Ucnuo&. 




NBRIDELED youth is prickt to pleasure aye, 
And led by lust to follow fansies fyts: 
Vnskilfull heads runne retchlesse on their way, 
Like wylfull coltes that broken haue their bits: 
Not lookyng backe, till foultring foote doe faile, 
And all consumde that was for their auaile. 



Vnhappy they, by scathe that purchase skyll, 
And Iearne too late how youth dyd lead awrie : 
Vnluckie men for wit that follow wyll, 
And foule delights in golden prime apply : 
More wisedome were ech one to wed a wife, 
Than marryed dames to lure to lewder life. 

For though that nature let vs runne at large, 
And all things made by kynde to common vse : 
Yet man must lende an eare to ciuill charge, 
That points a baine for euery foule abuse: 
And bids (beware pollute no marriage bed) 
Without offence let single life be leed. 



As honest loue by custome is allowde, 
(Both law and reason yeelding to the same 
In single wyghts) no parties being vowde 
To marryage yoke assaulted are with shame: 
Both God and man such sluttysh sutes detest, 
The lawfull loue is euer counted best. 



124 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Which makes me blame Gentiles rash assault, 
On Catilina fayre, from former vowe, 
"Whom he pursude to charge with heauie faidt, 
And sought to sinne to make this matron bowe : 
Yet grace at last preuailde in both so well, 
As shee stayd chaste, and he to vertue fell. 

His foule desire, his lewde and lustfull mynde, 
Was cause of lyfe, and wrought a double pleasure : 
This buried dame in pit to death had pynde, 
Had he not loude, and likt her out of measure : 
Tlius ill sometime is cause of good successe, 
And wicked meanings turne to happines. 

Had some rash ympe beene in Gentiles case, 

So farre inflamde wyth Beautie of a dame, 

And after that had had so fyt a place 

To worke his will, and done a deed of shame, 

I doubt raee much, bee would haue reapt the frute, 

By leaue of force of all hys paynefull sute. 

Here all were blest, the mother well reuiude, 
The infant borne, the matron full of ruth: 
Thrice happy he, for being so truly wiude, 
Gentile worthie praise for loyall truth. 
All louers may hereby example take, 
And learne of him blind fansies to forsake. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



125 



The Argument to the fourth 

Hijlorie. 




WO Knightes did linke in League of great 
goodwill, 
At length the one corrupts the others wife, 
And traitourlike proeurde her vnto ill, 
Which vile abuse bred deadlie hate and strife, 
And was the cause this leacher lost his life. 
For why, the Knight to whome this wrong was 
wrought 



This traitor slue, when he full little thought. 

The murther done, he gaue his Cooke the hearte 
Of him that had conspirde this filthie feate, 
And made him dresse it curiouslie by arte, 
And gaue his wife the same at night to eate, 
Who fed thereof, and thought it passing meate: 
But when she knew, the heart, the hap, and all, 
She loathde to Hue, and slue her selfe by fall. 



Quid non cogit amor ? 



126 



TRAGICALL TALES. 




jHILOME in Prouance were, 
as they that knew the fame 
Doe make report, two Courtly knightes, 

both men of worthie fame : 
Ech knight his Cattle had 
well furnifht euery way, 
With ftore of feruants at a becke 

their pleafures to obey. 
The tone Roffilion calde, 

a bold vndaunted knight, 
The fecond, egall to the firft, 

fir Guardailano hight: 
Who being men at armes, 

and paffing well approude 
For valiant courage in the fielde, 

like faithfull brothers loude. 
They dayly vfde to ride 

to Turneies both yfeare, 
To tilt, to iuft, and other feates 

perfourmde with fworde and fpeare. 
Their garments eke agreed, 

and were of egall fife : 
To fliew the concorde of their mindes 
vnto the lookers eys. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 127 

And thus though either knight 

his feuerall maner held, 
And either ten myles at the leaft 

from others Caflle dwelde : 
Yet hapneth it at laft 

that Guardaftano fell 
In liking wyth Roffylions wife, 

and loude her verie well. 
A dame of beautie braue, 

renowmed very much, 
Whofe featurde face and goodly grace 

the knight fo neere did touch : 
As hee reiecled quight 

the faith he mould haue borne 
Her hufband, and his truflie friend 

that was his brother fworne. 
Hee vfde his geftures fo 
vnto this gallant dame 
At fundrie times, that the at length 

his friend in loue became, 
And liked well the knight, 

and fo began to place 
Her fanfie, as fhee nought fo much 

did tender or imbrace 
As Guardaflanos loue: 

Shee euer lookt when he 
Would frame his humble fute, and craue 
her fecrete friende to be. 



128 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Which fortunde in a while : 

for he bewraide his cafe, 
And the leffe wife than wanton, flreight 

did yeeld the louer grace. 
There neaded flender force, 

fo weake a fort to winne, 
For flie as willing was to yeelde, 

as he to enter in. 
And thus for twice or thrice, 

the luftie louers delte 
In Venus fport, whofe frying hartes 

with Cupids coles did melte. 
But in this loue of theirs, 

they did not vfe fo well 
The matter, but the hufband did 

the fmoke by fortune fmell 
Of that their filthy flame : 

who highly did difdaine, 
That fuch outrage and foule abufe 

his honour fhould diftaine. 
Whereby his former loue 

to mortall hate did growe, 
And then he purpofde with himfelfe 

to flay his deadly foe, 
That fowlie fo abufde 

a Knight that gaue him trufl. 
Meane while came tidings that in France 

the Lyftes were made to iuft. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 129 

The Trump proclaymde the tilte, 

Roffilion out of hand, 
To Guardaftanos Caftle fent 

to let him vnderftand 
The newes : and eake withall 

did will his man to fay, 
That if he would the morrow next 

vouchfafe to come away 
Vnto his houfe, they would 

conclude vpon the cafe. 
Full friendly Guardaftano did 

the meffenger imbrace, 
And told him that he would 

(if God did lende him life) 
The morrow night come ouer, to 

Roffilyon and his wife. 
Which anfwere when the knight 

receiued had, he thought 
The time approcht, wherein to flay 

the traytor knight, that wrought 
Such falfehoode to his friend. 

I leaue for you to Jeanne, 
The thoufand thoughts, the broken Jleepes, 

and fancies of the man, 
Thatfuch a murther meant: 

and eke the knightes dejire, 
Who thought it long before he came 

in place to quench his fire. 



130 TRAGICALL TALES. 

When morning came, the knight 

well armde from foote to creft, 
Tooke horfe, and had a friend or two, 

whom he did fancie beft, 
Well mounted on their fteades: 

they had not ryd a myle, 
Before they came vnto a wood, 

a place to worke their wile. 
There laye he clofe in wayte 

within the cops, whereas 
Full well he wifl that Guardaflan 

of very force mult pane. 
There hauing flaide awhile, 

a farre he might difcry 
The Knight vnarmde, with other two 

that rode vnarmed by, 
As one that feard no fraucle, 

nor any force at all : 
When that Roffilyon did perceiue 

him iuft againfl the Hall 
W T here he on horfebacke fate 

full ready for the chafe, 
A vallie fit to worke his feate: 

with grimme and gaftly face 
He fets his fpurres to horfe 

and put his launce in reft, 
And gallopt after, crying loude, 

thou knight and trayterous geft, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 131 

Now be thou fure to die, 

in penance of thy fact : 
And with the word, he ftrake him through : 

the fhieuered launce it crackt 
Againft the broken bones, 

and thorough pearft his corfe. 
Vnable Guardaftano then 

for to refift the force, 
Or once to fpeake a word, 

fell downe vpon the blowe, 
And prefently gaue vp the ghoft, 

the fpeare had fpoyld him fo. 
With that his friends amazed, 

and very much in doubt 
What this mould mean, flood ftill a fpace, 

at lafl they turnd about 
Their nagges, and fparde no fpurres, 

vnto the Cattle ward 
Of Guardaftano, whence they came, 

feare made them gallop hard. 
When thus Roffilion fawe 

his foe bereft of life, 
He left the faddle, and withall 

drewe out a fhoulder knife, 
And ript me vp the breft 

of him that murdred lay : 
Which done, with egre hands he pluckt 

the trembling heart away, 



132 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Wherein the treafon lodgde : 

and hauing there by chance 
Or els of purpofe, (fkilles not which) 

the pendant of his launce, 
He wrapt it vp therein, 

and willd his man to looke 
Vnto the carriage of the fame: 

the heart his feruant tooke. 
Then hauing ftraightly chargd, 

that none fhould dare to fay 
A word of that which they had feene 

and he had done that day : 
He mounted on his horfe, 

and in the euening rode 
Vnto his Cattle backe againe, 

and there the knight abode. 
His wife that hard him fay, 

that Guardaftano came 
That night to fuppe with him at home, 

and looked for the fame, 
Did wonder at his flay : 

and being one difmayde, 
How hapt that Guardiftano commes 

not now (good fyr) flie faide. 
To whom the knight replyde, 

he fent me word right now 
He could not come to day, good fayth 

his let I doe allowe. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 133 

The Lady wofull woxe, 

and lowring gan to looke, 
Roffilyon lighted from his horfe, 

fent one to call the Cooke : 
Who being come in place, 

take here (quoth he) this heart, 
I flue a Bore of late by hap, 

herein beflow your arte. 
Do make fome daintie difhe, 

according to your fkill, 
And ferue it vp in filiier plate : 

difpatch, you know my will. 
The cooke receiude the heart, 

and made a cunning mefTe 
Of meate thereof, as men are wont 

that curious cates can dreffe. 
He minft it very fmall, 
not fparing any coll, 
For why, the Knight his maifter, did 

alow him with the moft. 
When time of eating came, 
Roffilyon fate him downe, 
And eake the Lady, who for lacke 

of Guardaftan did frowne. 
The meate was brought to borde, 

than he that ganne to thinke 
Vpon his murther lately done, 
could neither eate nor drinke. 



134 TRAGICALL TALES. 

At length the cooke fent vp 

that other meffe of meate, 
But he, as one that had no lifte, 

did will his wife to eate, 
And fet the dayntie difhe 

for her to feede vpon. 
The Lady, fomewhat hungrie, fell 

vnto the cates anon, 
And felt it very fweete, 

which made her feede the more : 
She rid the diflie, and thought it had 

beene of a fauage Bore. 
Roffilyon, when he fawe 

her ftomacke was fo good, 
And that the meate was all confumde, 

the diihes emptie ftoode: 
How thinke you wife (quoth he) 

how like you of your meate? 
Good fir (quoth the) I like it well, 

I had good lifte to eate. 
No wonder (quoth the knight) 

by God, although this cheare 
Do wel content thee being dead, 

in life thou thoughtlt it deare. 
The Lady hearing this, 

ftoode ftill, as one difmayde 
Vpon the wordes: when paufe was paft, 

vnto the knight fhe fayde, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 135 

Why? what is that (good fir) 

which you haue giuen me 
To fup withall? who anfwerde thus: 

I doe proteft to thee, 
The foode whereof thou fedft 

was Guardaftanos heart, 
Whome thou didft fo entierly loue, 

and playdft the harlots part. 
Behold it is the fame, 

this knife his belly ript, 
And from the rootes, with thefe my hands, 

the traytors heart I ftript, 
And crackt the firings in twayne, 

to eafe my heart of woe, 
That could not reft contented, but 

by murthring fuch a foe. 
The Lady, when fhe heard 

that Guardaflan was flayne, 
Whom flie had loude, to afke where fhe 

lamented, were in vayne, 
Coniecture of her cares, 

imagine her diflrefTe. 
At laft (quoth fhe) thou cruell knight, 

(I can not tearme thee lefle) 
Haft playd a wicked part, 

and done a curfed acle, 
In flaying of a giltleflfe man, 

(Obloudy beaftly faft) 



136 TRAGICALL TALES. 

A wight that woed not me, 

twas I that earned death. 
If any did deferue at all 

the loffe of vitall breath. 
Twas I that did the deed, 

I loude, I doe proteit. 
And did of worldlie men account 

that worthie knight the belt. 
How might he death deferue 

who loyall was to thee? 
But (mightie Gods) it is your will 

and pleafure now I fee, 
That thefe fo noble cates, 

the heart of fuch a wight, 
In ehiualrie that did exeell, 

a palling courteous Knight 
As Guardaftano was, 

fhoulde be my latter meale, 
And that I ihould with baler meates 

no more hereafter deale. 
Wherefore (good faith) quoth lhe. 

I doe not loath my foode, 
And therewithal! vppon her legges 

the louing Lady ftoode 
Before a windowe, that 

was full behinde her feete, 
And fodainlv from thence the fell 

into the open itreete. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 137 

Which deede no fooner done, 

the window was fo hie, 
But out of hand, her breath was ftopt, 

and fo the dame did die 
With carkaffe all to crufht, 

by reafon of the fall. 
The knight her hufband feeyng this, 

(who was the caufe of all) 
Stoode like a man amazde, 

and then mifiiked fore 
Both of the Ladies loffe, and eke 

the murthred knight before. 
And being then adrad, 

and Handing in a doubt 
Of Counte Prouince, and the reft 

that bordred thereabout: 
He fadled vp his horfe, 

and roade in poft away : 
The night did fauour his intent. 

As foone as it was day, 
Twas all the countrey through 
that fuch a dame was dead, 
And prefently vpon the fael 

the knight him felfe was fled. 
Then they that feruants were 

of eyther cattle, came 
With bitter teares, and tooke the dead, 
the knight and eake the dame, 



138 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



And in the caftle Church, 

in marble hewde for twaine, 
They buried both the murthered knight, 

and eke the Ladie flaine. 
With verfes on the graue, 

to fhew both who they were, 
And what was caufe that Guardaftan 

and file were buried there. 



CTe Umum* 




HE Poet that to Loue did pen the path, 

And taught the trade Cupidos ympes to traine, 
Within his second booke aduised hath, 
That who so lookes, and would be willing faine, 
To keepe his loue vnto himselfe, he must 
Neither brother, friend, nor yet companion trust. 



And herevpon his grounded reason growes, 
That ech man seekes to seme himselfe in chiefe: 
And he to sight that friendliest countenance showes, 
Yet for his flesh will soonest play the thiefe. 
As stolne Deare in taste exceedes the gift, 
So gallantst game is that which commes by shyft. 

In greatest trust, the greatest treason lyes, 
Where least we feare, there harme we soonest finde, 
An open foe each man full quickly flyes, 
Hee woundeth most that strikes his blowe behinde: 
But little hurt the open Adder workes, 
The Snake stings sore, that in the couert lurkes. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 13<J 

The barking Hound hath seldome hap to bite, 
His mouth bewrayes his meaning by his crie : 
No byrde vpon the open twigs doth light, 
The naked Net ech foolish foule doth flye: 
The hidden hooke is hee that doth the feate, 
Of sugred bane the wiliest mouse will eate. 

Who feares no fraude, wyth ease you may beguyle, 
The simple minde will soone be ouergone: 
He takes least harme that doubtes deceyt and wyle, 
And dreading thornes, doth let the Rose alone: 
The Trumpets sound bewrayes the Foe at hand, 



The glewing grome that fyghts before he commes, 
Is eyther voyded, or by sleight subdued, 
The way to wynne, is not to beate the drummes, 
For threatning throates are easily eschued : 
The surest meane to worke anothers woe, 
Is fayre to speake, and be a fi - 3 r end in showe. 

Had not this knight reposde assured trust 
Vpon his fryend, that loude him as his life, 
Could he so well haue serude his fylthie lust ? 
Or leysure had so to abusde his wife? 
No, had he thought such treason hyd in breast, 
He would haue lookte more nearely to hys guest. 

But louing well, and meaning not amisse, 
He lowde him scope, without suspect of ill, 
To come and goe, to vse the house as hys, 
A perfect showe of very great good wyll: 

S 



140 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Both purse and plate, both lands, and lyfe, and all, 
(Saue wife alone) lay pledge at euery call. 

Which makes his fault and foule offence the more, 
That dyd this deede and wrought this trechery 
Against his friend that loude him euermore, 
And thought him void of vice of lechery: 
Good nature deemd that Guardastan could not, 
For fleshly lust so deare a friend forgot. 

But see, how synne once seasing on the minde 
Doth muffle man, and leades him quight away: 
It makes him passe beyond the boundes of kynde, 
And swerue the trade where truth and vertues lay, 
Refusing friendes, reiecting lawes, and right, 
For greedy care to compasse foule delyght. 

And as the man herein deserueth shame, 
For stoupyng so to base and beastly vice, 
So are those dames exceedingly too blame 
Whose glaueryng glee to lewdnesse doth entice: 
Who frame their lookes, their gesture, tongs, and tale, 
To serue their turne in steede of pleasant stale. 

Two sorts I fynde deseruing trust aleeke, 
The mounting minds that sue for hygh estate, 
And such againe as sensuall pleasures seeke, 
And hunt the haunt of euery louyng mate : 
Both which to come by what they like and loue, 
Renounce theyr friends, and scorne the Gods aboue. 

But marke yet well the sause that doth ensue, 
Such stolne flesh is bytter as the gall, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 141 

Great are the plagues to such disorders due, 

From skyes reuenge and fearefull scourge doth fall : 

The dome diuine although it suffer long, 

Yet strikes at last, and surely wreakes the wrong. 

For Helens rage king Menelaus wife, 
The Stories tell how Priam and his towne 
Confounded were, and how for broyle and strife 
In wrongfull cause, the walles were battered downe : 
Full many a knyght in battayle spent his blood, 
And all because the quarrell was not good. 

So when this Traitor knight had fed his fyll 
Vpon Rossilions wyfe, and wrongde his friende, 
By foule abuse : in guerdon of his ill, 
The wrathfull Gods brought him to wretched end 
To quit hys glee, and all his former sport, 
Fie dyed the death in most vnhappie sort. 

And shee, who falst her faith and marriage heste, 
And double penance for her pleasure past, 
For fyrst she eate his heart she fansied best, 
And desperately did kill her selfe at last. 
Note here the fruites of treason and of lust: 
Forbeare the like, for God is euer iust. 

Nihil proditore tutum. 

Amove, 

Puo piu cite ogni amicitia, et che ogni honors. 



142 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



The Argument to ihefift 

Hi/tor ie. 




HE Lumbard Albyon conquered Cunimund, 
And after death of him inioyd the state, 
And married with the Ladie Rosamund, 
The Princes daughter whom he slue so late: 
Whose skull he did conuert into a pot, 
Because his conquest should not be forgot. 
His custome was at euerie feast hee made, 



To drinke therein for pompe and foolish pride, 
And on a time his Queene he gan perswade 
To doe the like: whereto she nought replide, 
But so much seornd his offer of disdaine, 
As straight she drew a plot to haue him slaine. 

A noble man that Don Ermigio hight, 
With on Parradio, by the Queenes deceate, 
Were wrought to kill this monster if they might, 
And by the sworde they meant to doe the feate : 
And so they did within a little while, 
When least the king mistrusted anie guile. 

Vpon his death, Ermigio out of hand, 
Espousde the Ladie Rosamund to his wife, 
Which when Longinus chaunst to vnderstand, 
He practisde with the Queene to reaue his life, 
To thend that he might marrie with his dame, 
Who gaue consent to do this deede of shame. 

With venim vile to worke she thought it best, 
Which when Ermigio dranke, and found the drift, 
By force he draue the Queene to drinke the rest, 
Who seeing that there was none other shift, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



143 



The poyson supt, and tooke it patientlie, 
As iust rewarde for both their villanie. 

Parradio eke, whose helping hand did further 
The Lumbards bane, and brought him to his death 
For guerdon due to him, to quit the murther, 
First lost his eies, and after that his breath: 
That men might see, how trulie God doth strike, 
And plague offences, lightlie with the like. 




MONG thofe warlike wights 
That earft from Almaine came, 
And other Northly parts befide : 
Thofe men that beare the name 
Of Lombards chaunft to light 
In Italy, and there 



Two hundred yeeres and fomwhat more, 
The only rule did beare 

Throughout that realme, which we 
Now Lombardie do call: 
Vntill fuch time, as Charles the great 
Had difpofTeft them all, 

And draue them thence by force, 
And meane of kingly might : 
What time (I fay) it was their lot 
In Italy to light. 

One Alboine was their chiefe, 
A man of monftrous wit, 
And valiant in the feates of armes, 
For martiall praclife fit. 



144 TRAGICALL TALES. 

This Alboin, ere he came ' 
To Italy, had flaine 
King Cunimundus, and bereft 
Him of his princely raigne. 

And not content with death, 
Nor hauing belly full 
Of noble bloud, cut off his head, 
And of the clouen fkull 

Did make a quaffing cup, 
Wherein he tooke delight 
To boufe at boorde, in token of 
His pompe, and former fight. 

This Cunimundus had 
A daughter paffing faire, 
Rofmunda hight, that was his ioy, 
And mould haue bene his heire, 

If he had kept his crowne, 
And not bene conquered fo : 
But being flayne, his daughter was 
A captiue to his foe. 

This Captaine kept her thrall, 
And ment it all her life : 
Till loue at laft this Lumbard forft 
To take her to his wife. 

When marriage day was paft, 
And he to battell fell, 
And conquering of Italie 
He loude his wife fo well, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 145 

As flie might neuer parte : 
But like a warlike dame, 
She euer logde in open campe, 
Where fo her huhband came : 

Who fundrie- cities tooke, 
And conquerde many a towne, 
By force of fworde, and Lyonlike 
Went ramping vp and dovvne. 

Vntill at length he came 
To Panoy, where of olde, 
(As in the chiefeil place of all) 
The kings their courte did holde. 

When full three yeeres and more, 
This Lumbarde there had layne: 
Vnto Verona he remoude, 
With all his princely trayne. 

And prefently preparde 
A folemne banket there, 
To feafl his frendes, and others that 
Of his retinue were. 

Amids which princely cheere 
And royall feafl, the king 
Dyd will the wayter on his cup, 
That he to boorde fhould bring 

The mazare that was made 
Of Cunimundus head : 
And hauing it in prefence there, 
(Where he with wyne were fped, 



14G TRAGICALL TALES. 

Or elfe by malice moude, 
I wote neare what to thinke) 
But hauing it in place, he gaue 
His Queene the cuppe to drinke. 

The cuppe her fathers fkull, 
O wilfull witleffe ac~te, 
Which no man well aduifde would do, 
But one that were diftracle. 

The Queene perceiuing this 
In mockage to be ment 
Of Alboyne, as it was in deede, 
And fawe his lewde entent, 

And how he fkofte the king 
Her father in the fame, 
Was fluft with raging rancour ftreight, 
And bluflit for verie fhame. 

In forte that all hir loue 
Which flie had borne before 
Vnto her hufbande grewe to hate, 
She loathde him tenne times more 

Than euer fhe had loude 
Or fanfied any wight : 
And thereupon refolude to doe 
A mifchiefe, if die might, 

And to reuenge by death 
Of Alboyne, monflrous man, 
Her father Cunimundus bloud, 
Loe here the broyle began. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 147 

For Rofmonde all in rage, 
Confulted with a peere. 
Ermigio calde, a courtly wighte, 
This noble man to fleere 

To murther of the Prince. 
I leaue her wordes vnpende, 
This noble, hearing whereunto 
Her long difcourfe did tende, 

Declarde the Queene his mynde, 
And vttred his conceite, 
And faid Parradio was the man 
That mull difpatche the feate : 

Without whofe helpe (quoth he) 
I wote neare what to fay : 
I thinke him fuch a one as dares 
Such ventrous parts to play. 

Your grace were bed to proue, 
If he confent, you fhall 
Not fayle of me, but ftande afilirde 
To ha ue me at a call. 

Forthwith the Queene did cauie 
Parradio to appeare : 
Who after fundrie offers made, 
And wordes of courtly cheare, 

To moue him to the fpoyle 
Of Alboyn, thus replyde : 
In vayne your grace doth goe aboute 
To haue the king deftroyde 



US TRAGICALL TALES. 

By thefe my guiltleffe handes, 
That day fhall neuer be, 
I trufte, the world fhall nouer prone 
So foule a fact by me, 

As to procure the death 
And murther of the king ; 
Of treafon vile, to haue a thought 
To praelife fuch a thing. 

Leaue off your lewde entente, 
Or feeke fome other wight 
To worke your feate, I neuer yet 
In {laughter tooke delight. 

The Ladie hearing this, 
And hauing earned zeale 
To worke her will, meeting lhame, 
Bethought her howe to deale. 

There did at felfe fame time, 
Vpon the Queene awayte 
A proper wenche, of comely grace, 
Full fitte to make a bayte, 

To take fuch louiiig woormes 
And hang them on the hooke, 
Whofe greateil pleafure is vpon 
A courtly dame to looke. 

This gallant likte her glee, 
Her gefture, and her face, 
And by deuice did hape at lait 
To purchace priuie grace. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 149 

Meane whyle the fubtile Queene 
That found this louers haunt, 
And knew he daily plyde her mayde, 
Thereby to make her graunte 

And yelde him his defire. 
Thus thought it belt to worke 
In felfe fame place where they did meete, 
In fecrete forte to lurke, 

As though it were the wenche 
With whome he would debate, 
And fo perhaps die might both checke 
And giue the foole a mate. 

Which hapned fo in deede: 
For on a certaine day, 
The Queene, to compaffe this her crafte, 
Put on her maydes aray, 

And in the wonted place, 
Where they did vfe to talke, 
Beflowde her felf. When night was come 
Forth gan this gallant walke, 

And to the Handing came 
Where lay this lodged doe, 
Whome he had thought to be the mayde, 
But it was nothing fo. 

Streight he in wonted wyfe. 
As cuftome was of yore, 
Pronounfte his painted termes of loue, 
And flattred more and more, 



150 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Bewraying all his thoughtes, 
And ripping vp his harte 
Vnto the wenche (for fo he deemde) 
And playde the Louers parte. 

Ten thoufande wordes he fpake, 
And tending all to loue: 
Whome after all his long difcourfe, 
The Queene did thus reproue : 

Parradio, doeft thou knowe 
With whome thou ftandeft here? 
Who thus replyde in louing wyfe: 
Yea that I doe (my deare) 

And namde the felfe fame maycle, 
Who was his friende in deede, 
With whom he had conferrde of loue, 
In great good hope to fpeede. 

What Sir? you are beguilde, 
I am not fhe you weene : 
No feruing mayde affure thy felfe, 
I am (quoth (lie) a Queene. 

And Rofmond is my name, 
Nowe doe I knowe thy minde, 
And priuie am to all thy guyle, 
Thou fhalt be fure to fynde 

Of me a mortall foe : 
Nowe make thy choyce of twayne, 
Where thou wilt fpoyle the king my fpoufe, 
Or thou thy felfe be ilayne, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 151 

For this outrage of thine, 
Which thou haft, done to me : 
Leaue off delayes, difpatche with fpeede, 
It may none other be, 

Parradio hearing this, 
And pondring in his thought 
To howe extreme a poynt by wyle 
Of Rofmond he was brought : 

Refolude to flay the Prince, 
And ridde him of his lyfe: 
And for the better working of 
His feate, did vfe the wife 

The diuelifli Queenes deuife, 
And Don Armigios ayde. 
And in this forte thefe wicked folkes 
The cruell pageant playde : 

The king as cuftome was, 
Becaufe the day was hotte, 
To take a nappe at after noone, 
Into his chamber gotte. 

Where being ioftely laydo, 
The place was voyded ftrayte, 
And eurie groome had leaue to parte 
That vfually did wayte. 

To yelde the king his eafe, 
Thus dealte the futtle dame: 
And to be fure to haue her will, 
She fhifted thence with flaame 



152 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Her ileepie hufbandes fworcle, 
Who then in ilumber la) 7 , 
For that he mould by no deuife 
Haue powre to fcape away. 

This done, the cruell wightes 
(Of whome I fpake before) 
With bloudie mindes, and armed handes, 
Approched to the doore: 

And vp they thruft the fame, 
And foftly entred in : 
And flole vpon the heauie prince, 
That flumbring long had byn. 

Yet wrought it not. fo well, 
For all their theeuifh pace, 
But that [the] king perceiude them when 
They came vnto the place: 

Who mazed in his minde, 
And chargde with fodaine feare, 
To fee thefe two fufpecled wights 
To preafe in prefence there : 

Gate him vp with Lions rage, 
From Cabbin where he flept, 
And to his fworde, for fafegarde of 
His life and honour, leapt. 

But out, alas, the Queene 
Had reft the weapon thence, 
Which earft the Prince was wont to vfe, 
And weare for his defence. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 153 

The Ruffians that in rage 
For blood and mifchiefe fought, 
Beftowde their blowes vpon the kyng, 
That no fuch praclife thought: 

And fo beftirde themfelues, 
His weapons being bad, 
As in a while they flue him there, 
And fo their purpofe had : 

Vnwift of any wight, 
The murther was vnfeene, 
And knowne of none, but of the two, 
And of the curfed Queene. 

When this deuife was wrought, 
Ermigio out of hande 
Did feyze ,vpon the Pallace, with 
Intent to rule the land, 

And thought to wed the Queene, 
And fo he did indeede: 
Whereto the Queene, and all the reft 
That fauourde her, agreede. 

Imagine of their ioyes, 
Whom filthie finne did linke, 
What pleafure they in kingdom e tooke, 
1 leauefor you to thinke. 

But Jure in my conceite, 
Where murther brings the wife, 
There ivealth is tooe, lift, tames to loath, 
And liking groives tofirife. 



1)4 TRAGICALL TALES. 

But turne I to my tale, 
That plainly may appeare, 
What hap befell, and whether they 
Did buie their marriage deare : 

The Lumbards priuie that 
Their king was fouly llaine, 
And that by meane thereof they might 
Their purpofe not attaine: 

But mould bee forfl to flee, 
Or worfer hap, to haue 
By longer flay their chiefefl goods 
And iewels for to faue, 

Trufft vp in fardell wife, 
And fo conueide by ftealth 
The Ladie Aluifenda thence, 
(And eke good ftore of wealth.) 

Who daughter to the king 
But lately murthred was, 
Not by this wife, but by the firfl : 
Away the Lumbards paffe 

Vnto Rauenna, where 
As God and fortune woulde, 
Longinus the Lieuetenant to 
Tyberius, courte did holde : 

Great Conflantine his fonne, 
Whofe Empire ftretched wide, 
And vnder whom Longinus had 
In truft thofe Realmes to guide. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 155 

This Captaine entertainde 
Them in good louing wife, 
And did the greateft friendmip vfe, 
That he raought well deuil'e. 

It fortunde fo at laft, 
(The caufe I wote not well) 
Longinus to good liking of 
The Ladie Rofmonde fell, 

Whofe fanfie grew fo great 
Vnto the featurde wight, 
As marrie out of hand he would 
To further his delight. 

To bring this match about, 
He praclifde with the dame, 
And gaue aduife that file fhoulde take 
In hand a deede of fliame. 

The murther of the man 
That vfde her as his wife: 
There was no choyce, but fliee mutt reaue 
Ermigio of his life. 

The Queene that cleane had caft 
The feare of God away, 
And awe of men, not weying what 
The world of her might fay : 

And thirfting for ettate, 

Whereto the hoapte to clime : 

Preparde a poyfoned drinke for him 

Againft his bathing time, 

u 



156 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And made in wife, fhe gane 
A holefome Goffups cup, 
Which he fhould finde exceeding good, 
If he would drinke it vp. 

Who hauing no diflruft 
Of wife, or diuelifh drift, 
With witling hands vnto his mouth 
The poyfoned pot did lift: 

And drank a greedie draught 
His former heat to quell : 
It was not long before the drinke 
Vnto his working fell : 

Which when he felt to rage 
And boyle within his breaft, 
And knew himfelfe vnto the death 
With venim vile poffeft: 

He drew his defperate fworde, 
In choler and defpite, 
And draue the Queene to quaffe the reft, 
And empt the veflell quite. 

Which done, at one felfe time, 
Both he and eke his Queene 
Did end their Hues, that haftners of 
King Albyons bane had beene. 

One poyfoned fyrrupe flue 
This curfed couple tho, 
Whofe beaftly liues deferude fo vile 
A death for lyuing fo. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

Which when Longinus heard, 
And how that matters went : 
The Ladie Aluilinda ftreight 
Vnto Tyberius fent, 

And all her treafure eke 
That earft her fathers was. 
Withall, Parradio who did ayde 
To bring thefe feates to paffe, 

Who being there in place, 
In cruell fort was flaine, 
And ere he dyde, was reft his eyes, 
To put him more to paine. 

Nullum peccatum impunitum. 

Ogni peccato a morte a'ljin Ihuom meua. 



15; 



IK^t Srmtog. 




O heere the fatall end of murther done, 

Such blooddie factes deserue no better hyre: 
Behold the threede that of such wooll is spon, 
Marke well their lot that mischiefe doe conspire, 
It lightlie doth vpon their heads retire : 
And those that are the workers of the deed, 
Though long forborne, at last no better speed. 



158 TRAGICALL TALES. 

See, to reuenge when Rosmond once began, 
Incenst thereto by wrath and deepe disdaine, 
She could not stint by murther of a man, 
Nor leaue, although she saw her husbande slaine, 
But thought she woulde attempt the like againe : 
Her vile conceite was blinded all with blood, 
She could not turne about to see the good. 

Sewst once in sinne, and washt in waives of ill 
She banisht ruth, and pitie flung aside, 
Yelding her selfe to spoyle the slaughter still, 
Whom she mislikte, should streight haue surelie dide. 
Such flames of wreake withy n her bowels fride: 
And being cald to hie and princelie state, 
In foule attempts, she could not want a mate. 

Worth whyle to note how such as beare the sway, 
And sit in seat of royall dignitie, 
The righteous Gods without respect, doe pay, 
And plague them for their hellish crueltie, 
With losse of honour, Hues, and iolitie: 
And such as are their ministers in ill, 
Either gallowes eates, or fatall sworde doth kill. 

Crtide'lta sta spesso in donna bella. 



TRAGIC ALL TALES. 



1 ■">'.) 



The Argument to the sixt 

Hiftorie. 




t / ^^^^T^Z^ / HE kin S of Thuni se had a daughter faire, 

^MFyKj '^=Mm$U Wllose be a u t'es brute through many countries ran: 
This Lady was her fathers only heire, 
Which made her loude and likt of eury man, 
But most of all the king of Granate than, 
Began to loue, who for he Mas a kino-, 
By little sute, this match to cloth did bring. 
The promise past betweene these noble states, 

They rested nought, but onlie her conuey 

In safetie home, for feare of rouing mates, 

Who would perhaps assault them by the way : 

Wherefore the king Cicils pledge they pray, 

Who gaue his word and Gantlet from his hand, 

Not to be vext by any of his land. 

Away they went, the ships forsooke the shore, 

And held their course to Granate warde amaine, 

When sodeinly Gerbino (who before 

Had lovde the Queene, and did his match disdaine) 

With Galies came this royall prize to gaine: 

The fight was fierce, a cruell battaile grewe, 

But he at length most likelie to subdue. 

When Sarizens saw the force of blooddie foe, 

And that they must surrender vp the dame, 

Maugre their might, and needs their charge forgo: 

What for despite, and what for verie shame, 

And partly to discharge themselues of blame, 



Kit) 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



They kild the Queene, Gerbino looking on, 
And threwe her out, for fish to feed vpon. 

To venge which deede, and cursed cruell acte, 
He slue them all, not leauing one aliue, 
With fire and sword the Sarizens he sackt, 
For that they durst so stoutlie with him striue, 
And did his loue of life and light depriue. 
Yet backe againe to Cicill He retyrde, 
Missing the marke which he had long desyrde. 

When newes was brought vnto the aged king 
The Grandsire, how his nephew willfullie 
Had broke the league, and done a heinous thing, 
Committing spoile, and shamefull Piraeie: 
Although he Ioude Gerbino tenderlie, 
Yet did adiudge him to the death, because 
He did prefer his lust before the lawes. 




;ING William, by report of fuch 
As dwelt within his lande, 
Who fecond Prince of Cicil, held 
The Scepter in his hand : 

Two babes begot vpon his Queene. 
A male, that Ruggier hight: 
And eke a daughter, Cuftance cald, 
A Dame of beautie bright. 

This Ruefffier while his father liude, 
By fortune had a Sonne, 
Gerbino namde, of whom this tale 
Efpecially cloth runne. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 161 

Who by his Grandfyre nourilht vp 
And nurtred from a boye, 
At length became a proper man, 
And was the Princes ioye. 

His courteous nature wonne renowno, 
His valiant courage knowne 
Not only in Cicilia was, 
But brute abroad had blowne 

The fame thereof to foraine reahnes: 
His praife doth paffe the boundes 
Of all the He, where he was bred, 
And in Barbaria foundes : 

Who to the king of Cycill payde 
Their tribute money then : 
Which greate renowne of Gerbins name 
Vnto the eares of men 

Was brought that euery one extolde 
His vertues to the ikye : 
Who but Gerbino all abrode, 
Whofe fame like his did flie ? 

Among the reft that heard reporte 
Of Gerbin, was a dame, 
The daughter of the king of Tunife 
(I wotte not well her name) 

But as (the men that fawe her vaunte) 
Shee was the faireft hewde, 
And trimmeft fhapte, that euer kinde 
Had call or creature vewde. 



162 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Whofe body was no brauer deckte 
With louely limmes without 
Than was her mynd with raaners fraught 
And vertues round about. 

This Lady hearing noble men 
Oft reafoning of renowne 
That Gerbin wanne, by worthy deedes, 
And how his fame did drowne 

That chiualry of all the reft : 
And that his courage was 
So great, as he in manly feates 
All other knightes did paffe. 

Delighted very much therein, 
Shee likte the talke fo welL 
And ftood fo long deuifing of 
His proweffe, that fhee fell 

To like Gerbino, though vnfeene : 
Shee felt her breft to frie 
With fancies flame, and was of him 
Enamord by and by. 

So that it did her good at harte 
To heare of Gerbines fame, 
And eke her felfe among the reft 
To publifh out the fame. 

As willing as fhee was before 
To heare of others talke, 
So glad this Lady woxe at laft, 
To haue her toung to walke. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 163 

The playneft proofe of great good will, 
That lurking lyes in breji. : 
For when the minde doth like, the mouth 
Can neuer he at rejl. 

And on the other fide, as fail 
This peerleffe Princefle fame 
Was noyfde abroad, and fo in fine 
To Cicill He it came : 

There was hir beautie bruted much, 
As other where befide : 
So long till Gerbin through reporte 
Of his fayre Lady fride, 

And felt himfelfe enlafte in loue, 
And tangled in the net : 
That willie Cupid earft to take 
His louing Lady fet. 

This heate did daily grow to more 
Within the gallantes breft, 
And did torment him fo within, 
That he to purchafe reft, 

Deuifde an honeft lawfull fkufe 
To parte from Cicill He, 
And gat him leaue to trauaile vnto 
Tunife for a while, 

Vpon defire to fee the dame, 
Whofe fanfie bound him thrall: 
And gaue in charge vnto his frende, 
And folkes he went withall, 



IC4 TRAGICALL TALES. 



As much as euer lay in them 
To further his intent, 
As euery one fhould thinke it belt: 
And tell her what was ment 

Of Gerbines parte, and how he loude, 
Enduring bitter payne 
For her, and from the noble Queene 
To bring him newes againe. 

Of whom, thofe men that had the wit 
To handle matters well, 
Went Merchant like vnto the court, 
Fine iewels there to fell : 

Which they of purpofe brought from hom, 
And Ladies vfe to bye, 
As rings, and Hones, and carkenettes, 
To make them pleafe the eye : 

And by this praclife in they gotte 
Within the Pallace gate, 
And made their fliew, and marchantlike 
In euery pointe they fate, 

To fpye a time to moue their fute 
Vnto the noble dame : 
Who, in a whyle that they had bene 
In place, by fortune came, 

And twharted where Cicylians fate, 
Vpon defire to fee 
Such iewels as might like her beft, 
Now here' began the glee: 



TRAGICALL TALES. 16-! 

For one that had a fyled tong, 
And durft his tale to tell 
And looke a Ladie in the face, 
Vnto his purpofe fell. 

And after reuerence done, began 
To fay in fobre forte, 
That Gerbin willd him to repaire 
Vnto her fathers courte, 

To fee, and to falute her grace, 
Whom he did tender more 
Than all the Ladies on the earth, 
That he had feene before. 

Her loue had pierft his noble breft, 
And cleft his manly harte : 
And he was well contented with 
The ftroke of Cupides darte. 

Both he, and all the wealth he had 
Was hers to vfe at will, 
Requefting her to take in worth 
Gerbinos great good will : 

I cannot pen the tale he tolde, 
So well in euery place, 
As he, perhaps, pronounft it then : 
The gefture giues the grace. 

But this you may allure your felfe, 
He dealte fo orderly, 
As needed: for the Princeffe did 
Receiue him thankfully: 



LOG TRAGICALL TALES. 

And did accept his meffage well, 
With anfwere to the fame, 
That as Gerbino burnt in loue, 
So fliee did frie in flame, 

And felte as hot a coale as hee 
Within her tender breft : 
If inward loue, by fecret ache, 
And griping might be gefl. 

And to thend her former talke 
Vnfayned might appeare, 
Shee fent Gerbino fuch a ring, 
As fliee did holde mod deare. 

A iewell of no (lender price, 
The value did excell: 
This meffage being borne him backe 
Did like the louer well. 

The token highly was efteemd, 
No richeffe mought haue pleafde 
His fanfie halfe fo well, as that, 
For why? his fmarte was eafde. 

And after that, he fundrie tymes 
Sent freindly lynes of loue, 
And tokens to the Princeffe, by 
The man that firil did moue 

The fute, and brake the matter vp : 
Deuifing how he might, 
And ment him felfe to talke with her, 
If fortune fell aright. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 167 

But matters being at this hande, 
And luckely begonne: 
Deferring off from day to daye 
The thing that fhould bene done : 

Whilft Gerbin melted with defire 
His Lady to imbrace: 
And (lie againe did long afmuch 
To fee her louers face. 

It fo befell, the king of Tunife 
His daughter fpowfed had 
Vnto the Prince of Granate, which 
Did make the Lady fad. 

She woxe the wofulft dame aliue, 
For being matched fo : 
It did not only grieue her, that 
Shee was compeld to go 

So farre away from Gerbin : but 
The thing that nipte her nere, 
Was, that fhe feard fhe neuer ihould 
Haue feene her louer deare, 

Once being parted from the place, 
In all her life againe : 
And hereupon fhe willing was, 
And would bene very faine 

To fcape the king her fathers handes, 
And liude with Gerbin aye : 
She beate her braynes, deuifing meanes 
By Health to runne away. 



168 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Likewife the knight was cloyd with care, 
And liude a wofull man. 
Her mariage knowen, his valiant breft 
To throbbe and ake began : 

Was neuer wight in greater woe, 
Nor angry moode than he : 
At length when care was fomewhat pad, 
He thought his helpe to be, 

And only ayde to reft in force, 
Wherefore he did entend 
By ftrength of hand to win his loue, 
When fo the king fhould fend 

Her home vnto her hufbandes realme: 
Loue had pofieft him fo, 
As, he the Princeffe to enioye, 
Through fire and floudes would goe. 

The king of Tunife hauing heard 
Some inckling of good will, 
That was betwixt the knight and her, 
And doubting of fome ill 

That Gerbin would pretend: befides, 
Well knowing that he was 
A valiant wight, and one that did 
Full manly prowefle paffe : 

When time was come to fend the queene 
Vnto her hufbands land, 
By letters which he fent, hee let 
King William vnderfland 



TRAGICALL TALES. i,j<) 

His meaning and his full inteent, 
And did requeft befide, 
To haue affurance at his hands, 
That he would fo prouide, 

That not a man within his Realme 
Should hinder his pretence, 
Nor Gerbin make refiflance, when 
He fent his Ladie thence. 

The hoarie graue Cicilian king, 
That loden was with age, 
And wift not of his daughters loue, 
Nor yet Gerbinos rage, 

Nor deeming that the kings demaunde 
Did tend to fuch effect, 
Did frankly yeld his fute, as one 
That did no ill fufpect. 

And for affurance of the fame, 
To rid the prince of feare, 
He fent his Gantlet, for a pledge 
That things confirmed were. 

Who hauing fuch affurance made, 
Let builde a mightie barke 
In Carthage Hauen, and did rig 
The fame with earnefl carke, 

And finely finifht vp the lliip, 
In minde, without delay, 
Vnto Granata, by the Seas, 
To fend the Queene away. 



170 TRAGICALL TALES. 



He wanted nothing faue the time 



To complim his intent: 

Meane while the wanton Princes, that 

Knew her father ment, 

And fmelling out his purpofe, caui'de 
Her man in poaft to goe 
Vnto Palermo couertly, 
To let Gerbino knowe, 

Both of the Ladies late contract, 
And that by fhip ihee mud 
Within a while to Granat goe, 
To feme her hufbands lull. 

Wherefore tell Gerbine, if he bee 
The man in deed (quoth fhee) 
And fuch a valiant Knight at armes, 
As he hath bragd to mee, 

And often boafled of himfelfe, 
Or beare me halfe the loue, 
He made in wife: he knowes my minde, 
I ihall his courage proue. 

The meffenger that had the charge 
Did as the Queene had wild : 
And made retume to Tunife, when 
He had her heft fulfild. 

When Gerbin had receiude the newes, 
Both of her going thence, 
And alfo that his Granfire gaue 
His gloue for their defence 



TRAGICALL TALES. 171 

That fhould conuey the Princeffe home 
Vnto her hufbands land : 
He doubtfull woxe, and will not what 
Was belt to take in hand. 

But waving well the Ladies wordes 
Whom he did mod imbrace : 
To make a proofe of faithfull loue 
In fuch a doubtfull cafe, 

Vnto Meffina ftreight he went, 
And there two Gallies made : 
And armde them well with valiant men, 
And fkilde in Rouers trade: 

And to Sardinia did conuey 
Him felfe, and all his route: 
Entending there to make his ftay, 
And linger thereabout, 

Till time the Queen by fhipping came, 
Which was within a fpace : 
For why Gerbino had not long 
Continude in the place. 

But that he might perceiue aloofe 
One vnder faile that came, 
And had but flender gale: he knew 
It ftreight to be the fame 

Wherein the Queene his miftreffe went: 
The Gods would haue it fo, 
For at that inftant flender was 
The winde that there did blow. 



1 7-2 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Then (quoth Gerbino to his mates) 
If you be valiant men, 
(As I haue thought you all to bee, 
And doe account you:) then 

There is not one among you all 
I dare auowe, but earft 
Hath been in loue, or prefently 
With Cupids Chaft is pierft: 

And certainely withouten loue 
Within the breaft, of man, 
No goodneffe growes, as I doe deeme, 
Nor any vertue can. 

And if you loue, or euer did, 
Then lightly may you geffe 
The great defire, and burning loue 
That doth my heart oppreffe. 

I doe confefie I am in loue, 
And Cupid caufer was 
That I procurde you hither now, 
To bring my will to pafle, 

And vndertake this prefent toyle. 
The yonder fhip you fee, 
And in the fhip doth reft a dame, 
The only ioy of mee. 

And eke befides my Ladie deare 
Whom I would haue fo faine, 
Great wealth there is, to quit your toiles 
An eafie thing to gaine. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 173 

Small fight (no doubt) will ferue the turne, 
If you will play the men: 
Which bootie, if wee may atchieue, 
(My mates) affure you then 

I only will the Ladie gaine, 
That is my only care : 
As for the goods, I am content 
Among your felues to fhare. 

Wherefore (my friends) attempt the fight, 
Let courage neuer fade : 
The Gods you fee are willing that 
We mould the ihip affaile. 

You fee fhe hath no gale to goe, 
She can not paffe away: 
Fight freely, all the fpoyle is yours, 
You mail be made to day. 

There needed not fo many wordes 
Their willing hearts to win : 
For why encountring rather than 
Their hues they would haue bin : 

The bootie bred the great defire, 
They thought his tale too long: 
The greedie lull of pray did pricke 
Thofe luftie Lads along. 

Wherefore as foone as he had told 
His tale, the trumpets blewe : 
And euery man his weapon caught, 
And to the oares they flewe, 



174 TRAGICALL TALES. 



And to the fhipwarde on they went, 
With all the fpeede they might: 
The men aboord that fee them come 
Preparde them felues to fight. 

For why they could not fcape away, 
The Gallies were fo neare, 
And eke the winde fo flender was 
To caufe the ihip to fteare. 

When Gerbin did approch the barke, 
He wild the chiefefl men, 
That were the guides, and rulde the fliip, 
To come aboord him then, 

Vnleffe they ment to fight it out, 
The Sarizens that faw 
Both who they were, and what they would, 
Said that they brake the law 

Which earft the Prince of Cicill made 
Vnto their Soueraigne, and 
To make the matter plaine, they ihewde 
The Gantlet of his hand : 

Loe here King Williams Gloue (quoth they) 
Behold it here in fight: 
This is your Pafport, nought yee get, 
Vnlefie it be by fight. 

Gerbino hauing earft defcride 
The beautie of the dame 
Aloft the. Poope, began to frie 
And melt with greater flame 



TRAGICALL TALES. 175 

Than euer he had done before : 
For then her feature feemde 
Farre frefher than in all his life 
The luftie louer deemde. 

And thereupon inraged thus 
By beautie of the Queene : 
He gaue his fcoffing- anfwere, when 
He had the Gantlet feene: 

Good faith (quoth hee) I neede no gloue, 
My Faulcon is away: 
I haue no vfe to put it to : 
But if without delay 

You doe not yeeld the Ladie vp, 
Prepare yourfelues to fword : 
For fure, vnleffe I haue my will, 
You fhall bee layde aboord. 

And prefently vpon the fame 
Without a farther talke, 
The arrowes flewe from fide to fide, 
The bullot ftones did walke: 

A cruell fight began to grow 
On eyther part a fpace : 
But when Gerbino faw at length 
His force could take no place, 

He lades a Lyter all with fire 
And with his gallies went 
Full clofely to the mightie fliip. 
They feeyng his intent, 



176 TRAGICALL TALES. 



And knowing this, of verie force 
That they muft yeeld, or die : 
Did make no more adoe, but caufde 
The Princes by and by, 

(That vnder hatches fobbing fate, 
Gerbinos only loue) 
To leaue her teares, and fhew her felfe 
Vpon the decke aboue. 

Who as vpon the forefhip ftoode 
In prefence of them all, 
The hellifh houndes the Sarizens, 
Vnto the Knight did call. 

And full before his face, they flue, 
With many a blooddie blow, 
The Ladie, crying out for grace : 
And hauing done, did throw 

Her carued carkaffe from the ihip 
Into the brackifhe flood : 
And to Gerbino therewithall 
Exclaymde, and cryed a good: 

Loe, take fir Knight, we yeeld her vp 
Vnto thy crauing handes, 
In fort as lyes in vs to doe, 
And as the broken bandes 

Which thou haft (wretchleile man) defpifde, 
Deferue: now doe thy belt. 
Gerbino, hauing viewde the deed, 
And wayed within his breaft 



TRAGICALL TALES. 177 

The tygres harts, and bloudy mindes 
Of thofe that flue the dame, 
Did make no more adoe, but clofe 
With dreadlefle courage came 

Aboord the fhip, and there begon 
Without refpecl of grace, 
Full Lion like, that lackes his pray, 
When bullockes are in place: 

To doe thofe wicked flaues to death, 
He did not fauour one. 
Some rent he with his eger teeth, 
He fet his nayles vpon 

Some other, breaking all their bones, 
To glut his hungry hart, 
That longd for vengeance of the fact. 
Then gan he play his part, 

With fharpe and cruell fword in hand, 
As one without remorfe : 
He fcard me one, and fcotcht an other, 
And mangled euery corfe. 

Meanwhile the flame began to grow, 
And kindle all about 
The bloudy barke, and bodies flaine, 
The fparkes began to fpout. 

The knight to faue the taken fpoyle, 
Did caufe his watermen 
To beare away fuch bootie as 
Serue their purpofe then. 



178 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Which done, he left the burning fhip, 
And to his gallies goes, 
With wofull conqueft of the Mores 
That were his mortall foes. 

Then willd he all the Ladies limmes 
That in the water were, 
To be vptaken peece by peece, 
Not one to tarry there. 

Which bones he long bewept with teares, 
That in abundant wife, 
For very griefe diflilled were 
By lymbeckes of his eyes. 

And after many dolefull plaintes, 
And profes of louers paine, 
Returning home vnto the Iile 
Of Cicille againe, 

He caufde her body to be tumbd 
In Vftica, an yle 

Full fore againft Trapponus foyle. 
And then within a whyle, 

He hyed him to his natiue home, 
A man of heauie hart : 
Meanewhile the king of Tunife, that 
Had tiding of the part 

That late was playde, attyred all 
In blacke, his legates fent 
To Cicill, to the king to fhew 
His grace how matters went, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 179 

And all the order of the fact, 
And let him vnderltand 
How that his nephew broken had 
By rafh attempt, the band. 

Whereof King William wrothfull wox, 
And feeing that he muft 
Of force, or fhew himfelfe a Prince, 
Or not be counted iufl : 

He made Gerbino to be tant, 
And kept in yron gyues. 
His nobles could not change his minde, 
And purpofe, for their hues. 

He iudged his nephew to the death, 
And loofing of his lyfe: 
There paft not many dayes, but that 
Gerbino felt the knife, 

And did endure his grandfires wrath, 
Who rather wifht to fee 
His nephew murthred, than him felfe 
A faithleffe King to be. 

And thus thefe two vnhappy wights 
Without the fruites of loue 
Had fhamefull deathes, as you haue heard 
By this difcourfe aboue. 



180 



TRAGICALL TALES. 




HO works against his soueraigne Princes word, 
And standes not of the penaltie in awe, 
Well worthy is to feele the wrathfull sword, 
And dye the death appointed by the law: 
No favour is to such offendours due, 
That, eare they did amisse, the misehiefe knew. 



For Princes willes are euer to be wayde, 
The statutes are the strength and stay of all, 
When lawes are made, they ought to be obayde, 
What royall Peeres, by pledge, or promise, shall 
At any time confirme to friend or foe, 
Must stable stand, the law of armes is so. 

For they are second Gods in earth belowe, 
Assignde to rule and strike the onely stroke, 
Their erownes and scepters, be of perfect shew, 
That all estates are vnderneath the yoke : 
What they shall say, or doe in any case, 
By dutie ought to take effect and place. 



Wherefore who dares aduenture vp so hie, 
And proudly presse to alter kings decres, 
Not fearing what may light on them thereby, 
Nor forcing what they shall by folly leese : 
Of law deserue the hardest point to byde, 
For scorning those whom God appoyntes to gyde. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 181 

When royal Rome dyd flourish in estate, 
In auncient age, the Senate bearing sway, 
The lawes were so seuere, as who forgate 
To liue vpright, and doe as they did say : 
Was presently committed to the blocke, 
Without respect to blood, or noble stocke. 

Some in exile were sent to foreine landes, 
Leauing their wyues and little babes behinde. 
Some sonnes were slayne euen by the fathers handes, 
Who fauouring right, forgot the lawe of kinde : 
Justice in Rome bore then so great a sway, 
As no man durst good orders disobay. 

We reade of one, a ruler graue and wyse, 
Who made a law, and that to this effect, 
That he should be bereft of both his eyes, 
Whom any of adultery might detect: 
And bring good profe that it was so in deede, 
Vpon which acte the sages all agreed. 

It so befell, his sonne against the law 
Did first offend, that first deuisde the same, 
Which fortune when the wofull father sawe, 
And that his sonne could not auoyde the blame: 
For justice sake did thus deuise to deale, 
To giue example in the common weale. 

Where as the law expressely willde, that he 
Who did offend, should be bereft his sight, 
The father with his sonne did so agree 
As each did loose an eye the faulte to quite : 
Wherein the father shewde himselfe seuere, 
And yet as ruthfull as the law could beare. 



182 TRAGICALL TALES. 

O worthy wight, O ruler fit to raigne, 
That rather chose his chilcle to punish so, 
And eake himselfe to byde some part of payne, 
Than parcially to let offences goe : 
A double tumbe was due vnto his bones, 
For being iust and ruthfull both at once. 

King Romulus who let the citie builde, 
And founder was of all that royall race, 
That none should ouerleape his rampire wild, 
Which Remus did the fortresse to disgrace: 
Which when his brother saw in mockage ment, 
With wrathfull sworde he slue him ere he went. 

So here this aged Prince of Cicilie, 
When he had plegd and pawnd his honor downe, 
Though lesse offence to slay by crueltie, 
His nephew, than to stane his kingly crowne : 
For iustice is the chiefe and only thing 
That is requirde and lookte for in a king. 

Wherefore what Peeres and Princes once haue wild, 
No subiect should endeuour to vndoe: 
For Kings will looke to haue their hestes fulfild, 
And reason good that it should aye be so. 
As beastes obey the loftie Lyons looke, 
So meane estates must puysant Princes brooke. 

Ill fares the barke amid the broyling seas, 
Where euery swayne controlles the maisters skill, 
And each one stires at helme him selfe to please, 
And folowes not the cunning Pylots will : 
So realmes are rulde but badly, where the base 
Will checke the chiefe, that sit in highest place. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



183 



The Argument to the seuenth 

Hyjlorie. 




MERCHANTS daughter loude her brothers boy 
That kept the shop, of linage basely borne, 
Which grome became the damsels only ioy, 
Whereat the brothers tooke no little scorne: 
That he who was a youth of no account, 
Presumde vnto their sisters bed to mount. 
So deepely sanke disdaine within their brest, 

As nought saue death their malice might assuage, 

Those stately merchants mought not be at rest, 

Till time they had dispatcht the sillie page: 

Wherefore they all, with one consent agreed, 

To murther him, and so they did in deede. 

Whose absence long did grieue the tender maide, 

That wept the dayes and spent the night in teares, 

Not knowing where he was, nor why he stayde : 

It so fell out in fine, the Ghost appeares 

Amyd her dreame, of him that so was slaine, 

And bid her stint her teares, that were in vaine. 

He wried his wounds, he shewde the shameful blows, 

He told the traytors treason, and the traine 

That wroght his bane, and whence their malice rose, 

And where his mangled carkasse they had laine: 

Which proces tolde, he vanisht out of sight, 

The wench awoke, a heauie wofull wight. 
To trie the truth of what her vision spake, 

She got a mate of trust, and on she hide 



134 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



Vnto the place, a perfect view to take : 

Where after search, the body she espide, 

The body of her friend so lately dead, 

Whose limmes she buried, bearing thence the head: 

Which head she plasht within a Basell pot, 
Well couered all with harden soyle aloft, 
Her daily vse was to lament his lot, 
That so was slayne : she wept and sorrowed oft : 
So long, vntill her brothers stole away 
The Basell pot, wherein her louer lay. 

This second griefe compared to the furst, 
That she (poore wench) had suffred for hir friend, 
Increast her cares, and made her hart to burst, 
Whose life did whole vpon the pot depend: 
The merchants, when they sawe their sister ded, 
For feare of lawe, in poste their countre}' fled. 




^$ F yore within MefTyna dwelt 

Three brothers, marchant men, 
Left wealthie by their fathers death, 
Who died by fortune then. 

This marchant had befide his fonnes, 
A daughter, very young, 



Elizabeth by name, in whom 
With beautie nurture fprong. 

Which nymph, as nature furnifht had 
With feemly fhape to view: 
So in her tender bread, a troupe 
Of honeil maners grew. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 1S5 

Which gifts of courfe are wont to caufe 
Good liking, and good will : 
But yet for all thefe vertues rare, 
This virgins lucke was ill, 

Or els her brothers cruell were : 
For flie was ripe to wed. 
And yet without a married mate, 
Her luftie prime fliee led. 

It fortunde fo, at felfe fame time 
This damfels brothers had 
A yonker, that did keepe the fhop, 
A very handfome lad. 

Lorenzo was the prentife name, 
To whom they gaue the charge 
Of fhop and warehoufe, all was his, 
To buie and fell at large. 

This ympe being verie neate and trim 
Of perfon, and of wit, 
And palling pleafure in deuife, 
A man for follie fit: 

By gefture and demeanure, fet 
This damfels heart on fire, 
Who but Lorenzo with the wench? 
He was her chiefe defire. 

When thus the virgin liude in loue, 
This prentife did perceiue, 
By noting her from day to day, 
He then began to leaue 



ISfi TRAGICALL TALES. 

His forraine haunt at game abroade, 
And only bent his breaft 
To loue of her, of whom he faw 
Himfelfe fo fure poffeft. 

Thus lyking grewe from lefle to more, 
The faggot equall was 
That burnt within thefe louers brealls, 
And brought the match to paffe : 

For why there were not many dayes, 
Before the wench and he 
Gaue full affurance of good will. 
It might none other be. 

Ech felt the fruite of former gripes, 
Ech louer found fuch fweete 
In Venus ioyes, as fundrie times 
At pointed place they meete, 
And fport as the maner is 
Of wanton Cupids crue, 
That more refpect the prefent toyes, 
Than troubles that enfue. 

And thus in play they fpent the time, 
But loue giues fuch a flame, 
As few, or none, haue reafon howe 
To quench, or hide the fame. 

For why the light bewraies it felfe 
Vnto the lookers flight, 
So farde it by thefe louers two, 
For on a certaine night 



TRAGICALL TALES. 1-7 

As fhee (good wench) was hailing to 

Lorenzo, where he lay: 

Her eldeft brother chaunft to fee 

And tract her on the way, 

And knew for certaine that fhe went 

Vnto the prentife bed : 

But like a wittie man he held 

His peace, and nothing fed. 

Although it was a death to him 

So foule a fact to knowe, 

Yet reafon and good nature did 

Perfwade this marchant fo. 

As after fundrie doubtfull thoughts 

That wandred in his hed, 

He was content to hold his tong, 

And fo he went to bed. 

I leaue to defcant of his dreames: 

But fure I fcarce beleeue 

He flept at eafe, who fawe a fight 

That fo his heart did greeue. 

When morning came, and ftars did ftart, 

The man that faw the deed 

The night before, rofe vp, and gate 

Him to the reft with fpeede, 

And tolde his brothers what had hapt: 

And after long deuife, 

And counfell had vpon the cafe: 

Becaufe their fitters vice 

2 a 



1S8 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Should purchafe them no open lhame, 
Nor yet their linage blot : 
They purpofde fo to deale in things 
As though they wilt it not : 

Vntill fuch time as fortune ferude, 
Without miftruft or blame, 
To rid away the partie that 
Had doone them all the fliame: 

Meane while they bore a merie face, 
And ihew of friendly heart, 
To outward fight, vnto the man 
That plaide fo vile a part, 

The better to reuenge the wrong. 
For that an open foe 
Is eafie to be voyded, when 
His lookes his rancour fhew. 

Which made them laugh in wonted wife, 
With him that had defilde 
Their filler, till fuch time as they 
The leacher had begilde: 

Which hapned in a little fpace. 
For being in this glee, 
The brothers did deuife to take 
Their horfe, and ride to fee 

The countrie for a day or twaine: 
And as the Prouerbe goes, 
The moe the merrier is the feafl. 
And thereupon it rofe, 



TRAGICALL TALES. J89 

They prayed Lorenzos companie 
For fport, and folace fake. 
Who though would gladlie flay at home, 
His wonted myrth to make 

With her that was his only ioy : 
Yet graunted his confent 
To goe abroade, fufpecting no 
Such mifchiefe as they meant: 

Thefe merchants, and the prentife thus 
Their prauncing ienates tooke, 
And brauely out of towne they rode 
In all the haft to looke 

A place wherein to doe the deede, 
I meane Lorenzos death. 
They had not iourneied farre, before 
They came vnto a Heath 

Befides the way, a defert where 
No trauell was in vre. 
And being brothers there alone, 
They thought themfelues as fure 

As needed, to difpatch a man, 
That no fuch force did feare. 
The fhort is thus, they made no wordes, 
But flue Lorenzo there. 

Mine author writes not of his wounds, 
But reafon giues it fo, 
That in reuenge of his abufe 
Ech brother had a blow: 



190 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Whofe body thus bereft of life, 
They buried in fuch fort, 
As no man faw the fact, nor none 
Could euer make report. 

The Prentife flaine, the carkaffe laide 
In graue, the marchant men 
Vnto MefTyna, whence they came, 
Returned backe agen. 

And to diflemble this their deede, 
They bruted all abrode, 
That lately in affayres of theirs 
The youth Lorenzo rode, 

And trauaild touching marchants gain : 
Which made the tale the more 
Of credite, for becaufe he vfde 
To doe the like before. 

Elizabeth, at laft, that faw 
The lingring of the man, 
And that he Itaid beyond his time, 
To languiih fore began. 

And as the cuftome is of loue, 
To deeme ech houre a day, 
Ech day a yeere, ech yeere an age, 
When louers are away: 

So fliee that thought his abfence long, 
And livde in bitter paine, 
Did queltion with her brothers, of 
His comming home againe. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 191 

Demaunding when the time was fet, 
And when the day would be, 
That fhee Lorenzo fafe returnd, 
From foreine coaft ihould fee. 

To whom her brother thus replide, 
With countenance curft and grim, 
What doeft thou meane to queflion thus? 
Haft thou to doe with him 

For whom thou doeft demaund fo oft? 
Good faith, vnleffe thou leaue 
Thefe termes in time, thou fhalt from vs 
An anfwere fit receaue, 

And well agreeing to thy deedes. 
Which bitter gyrde did nip 
This filie maide, as the eftfoone 
Began to byte her lip, 

And woxe the wofulft wench aliue, 
Nor after durft to make 
The like demaund againe, for him 
That fuffered for her fake : 

But fpent the day in dolefull plaints, 
And fobde in fecrete wife, 
The bitter torment of her breaft 
Braft out and bathde her eyes, 

With fundrie fhowres of trickling teares 
Diftilling by her face, 
She often cald him by his name, 
And wild him home a pace. 



19 k 2 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Lamenting much his long delay, 
Whom fhee did loue fo well. 
Whilft thus the maiden ftoode on termes, 
Vpon a night it fell, 

That after manie hartie lighes, 
And fundrie cryes, 
For lacke of Lorenze, flumber came 
And fhut her aking eyes. 

Who was no fooner falne a ileepe, 
But dreames began to grow 
Within her raging retchleffe braine : 
Then feemd to open ihew, 

Her murthred friend to Hand in place, 
With vfage pale and wan, 
And cheekes with buffets blown out. 
The garments of the man 

Were all to rent, his robes were ragd: 
And, as the wench did geffe, 
Lorenzo in her dreame befpake 
Her thus : Thy deepe diftreffe 

(O faithfull friend) I well perceiue, 
I fee my long delay 
Doth caufe thy cryes: for my returne 
In grief thou pynite away : 

My abfence is the caufe of care, 
Thou doeft accufe thy friend 
Of longring, and thy heauy playnts 
I fee can haue no end. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 1!)3 

Wherefore (I fay,) dry vp thy teares, 
That flowe like floudes of rayne : 
Lament no more, I cannot come, 
Though I would nere fo fayne. 

For why, the day thou fawfte me laft, 
Was ender of my life : 
Thy brothers, whilft I rode with them, 
Slewe me with fodaine knife. 

And therewithall he lhewde the place 
Where dead his body lay : 
And willd her weepe for him no more, 
And vaniflit fo away. 

The wench awooke, and credite gaue 
Vnto this dreame of hers, 
Which made her to bemoyft her face 
And bofome all with teares: 

Full bitterly fliee did bewale 
The murther of her loue. 
When morning came, and Phebus beames 
The darkeneffe did remoue, 

Not daring to difclofe the thing 
Vnto her brothers, fliee 
Did mynde to goe vnto the place, 
Of purpofe there to fee 

Where that her dreame wer true, or no, 
Which troubled her the night. 
And being that this Damfell was 
At libertie, and might 



194 TRAGICALL TALES. 

For pleafure wander out, and home, 
In company of one 
A woman frend, that wonted was 
To walke with her alone, 

And priuy was of all her deedes : 
As rathe as flie might rife, 
With mother nurfe the gate her out, 
And to the heath fhee hyes : 

Where by conieelure lay the coarfe 
Of him that murthred was. 
As fone as they ariued there, 
She fcrapt away the graffe, 

And fweepte the parched leaue afide: 
And where at firft fhe founde 
The hardefl foyle, and ftoniefl bancke, 
Began to delue the grounde : 

Shee had not digged any depthe, 
But lighted by and by 
Vpon her louers wofull corfe, 
Vnwafted that did lye 

And vncorupted in the graue: 
Whereby the mayden knew 
That all the vifion which fhe fawe 
The night before was true. 

Whereat ihee waylde and wept a good, 
But knowing that the place 
Was farre vnfit for fighes and teares, 
Which could not right the cafe : 



TRAGICALL TALES. 195 

Shee would haue gladly borne away 
The carkaffe, to haue layde 
It in a decent tombe at home, 
Saue that fhee wanted ayde. 

Wherefore me drew me out a knife, 
Wherewith away me fwapte 
Her louers head, and vp the fame 
In linnen cloth fhe lapte : 

And couered vp the corfe agayne, 
And gaue the head to beare, 
Vnto the nurfe, her truftie frend, 
That was of purpofe theare : 

Shee tuckt it in her apron clofe, 
(As women vfe to doe) 
And fo vnfeene, from thence vnto 
Meffina home they goe. 

Where being come, and entred to 
Her chamber with the head, 
She ihut the doore, and on the fame 
So long her teares did fhed: 

Vntill with bryne fliee all befprent 
It, as it lay in place : 
And now and then among her cryes, 
Shee all bekift the face. 

Which done, fhee tooke an earthen pot, 
Wherein fire vfde to fette 
Her Bafill, or her Parfely feede, 
The beft that fhee mought gette. 

2 B 



l 96 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Whereto in foldes of filken lawne 
She put Lorenzos fkull, 
And after that, with garden foyle, 
She pourde the pitcher full : 

And flrewde her fineft, Bafill feede 
About alofte the fame, 
From whence like Orenge water, fmell, 
Or Damafke rofes came. 

And daily after that, fhe fate 
Imbrafing of the Canne, 
And culling of it in her armes, 
As though it were the man, 

Whom flie entirely loude before : 
And after killing, then 
She would to teares, and fighing fobbes, 
From fighes to teares agen. 

Continuing fo, vntill fuch time 
As fliee had watred all 
The Bafill, with the dreary droppes, 
That from her face did fall : 

So that at length by tract of time, 
Or groffenefle of the ground, 
By reafon of the rotting head, 
The Bafill did abound, 

And gaue a pairing pleafant fmell. 
The wench did neuer leaue 
This folly, till the neighbours chanfte 
Her praclife to perceiue. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 197 

Who, (when her brothers muzed thai 
Her bewtie did decay, 
And that into her hollow browes 
The eyes were funcke away,) 

He fpake then thus : We ftand affurde, 
It is her. daily gife, 
To goe into the garden, where 
The Balil pot it lyes: 

And there to weepe in wofull wife, 
A wretched wench to fee. 
The brothers when, they heard the tale, 
And hauing willd that ihee 

Should leaue that fonde and fooliih trade, 
But faw it booted not, 
Did make no more adoe, but hid 
Away the Bafill potte, 

Which, when the hapt to come againe, 
And not to finde it there, 
Full earneftly began to craue 
The fame with many a teare: 

And being harde thereof, begon 
To wexe difeafde, and all 
Her fickneffe time, for nothing but 
The Bafill potte did call. 

Her brothers not a little muzde 
To heare her ftrange requeft, 
In crauing of the potte, and there- 
Vpon did thinke it befl 



198 TRAGICALL TALES. 

To fee the fame, and make a fearch : 
Who hauing powred out 
The earth that was within the potte, 
Eftfoone efpyde a cloute, 

And in the cloth, the head inwrapte, 
So frefhe and fayre to vewe, 
As it to be Lorenzos head, 
By curled heare they knewe. 

Which fet them in a fodaine dumpe, 
And made them greatly dread, 
The murther would be brought to light. 
By reafon of the head : 

And hereupon they hid the fkull, 
And layde it in a graue, 
And from Meffina went by Health . 
Them felues from death to faue : 

Entending, being fled the towne. 
If they might paffe vnfpide, 
From thence, in pofte, vpon the fpurre, 
To Naples ftraight to ride. 

And thus I leaue the merchant men 
Their iourney forth to take, 
Who after fped, I wote nere howe : 
But thus an ende I make: 

The filly wench, amid her griefe 
Did neuer leaue to crye, 
To haue the Bafill pot againe. 
But when fhee did efpie, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

That all her calling was in vayne, 
Her teares did neuer blin 
To iffue from her criftall eyes, 
Till timy the harte within, 

For very anguifh, braft in twaine. 
Then Clotho came to rid 
The mourning Damfell of diftreffe, 
And brake her vitall thrid. 

Loe here the lotte of wicked loue, 
Behold the wretched end 
Of willful wightes, that wholy doe 
On Cupides lawes depend. 

Vn puoco dolce multo amaro appaga. 



199 



IFf>* Uenuog* 




F all the earth were paper made, to write, 
And all the Sea conuerted into incke, 
It would not serue to shew Cupidos might: 
No head can halfe his bloudy Conquests thinke i 
Vnto his yoke he forceth euery wight, 
No one away dares for his life to shrinke. 
Who most contends, the widest wound receaues, 



For Cupid then by force his freedome reaues. 



200 TRAGICALL TALES. 

The sage who sayde, that (loue exceeded all) 
Pronounst the troth, and spake as we do fynde : 
He wist full well, that euery wight was thrall 
Vnto the God that feadreth is and blinde : 
No Poet him, but Prophet may we call, 
For that of loue so derely he definde : 
For Cupid with a looke doth wound moe hearts, 
Then thousand speares, or thousand deadly dartes. 

Which Caesar sawe, who sundrie Realmes subdude, 
Whereby his fame did reach the stately starres, 
For when that he fayre Cleopatra vewde, 
He fell to loue, for all his ciuill warres: 
In aged brest his youthfyll wounds renewde, 
Where Cupids scourge had left him sundry scarres. 
That learned Marcus, so renowmde for wit, 
For Faustine fayre was rid with louing bit. 

Eake Annybal of Carthage manly wight, 
That past the Alpes to come to Italy, 
Whose puissance put the Romane hoast to flight: 
For all his force and prudent pollicy, 
Did stoupe to loue, surprisde with deepe delight, 
Of one, a wench bred vp vnciuilly : 
And many moe, as fierce as he in fielde, 
Cupido forst with tender bowe to yeelde. 

And not alone this Archer masters man, 
But by this power, doth pierce the golden skies, 
And there subdues the greatest now and than: 
Such subtill driftes the Godhead doth deuise. 
As when that loue lovde Leda, like a Swan, 
And prickt his plumes to please his Ladies eyes: 



TRAGICALL TALES. 201 

Another time became a milke white Bull, 
And all to steale away a countrie Trull. 

Who hath not hearde how Phebus Daphne lovde ? 
How mightie Mars was bound in Vulcans chaine? 
And eke how Ioue his greatest cunning provde, 
When he became a golden showre of rayne. 
Endymion he was passingly belovde 
Of Phebe, who with him had often laine : 
On Latinus hyll, the gastly God of hell, 
Pluto him selfe, did like Proserpine well. 

May Neptune boast or vaunt aboue the rest ? 
Dyd he not loue as other Gods haue done ? 
Hath Cupid neuer rasde his rockie breast ? 
Could he for all his waues dame Venus shunne? 
No, he hath been by pangs of loue opprest, 
The water nymphs his godhead oft haue womie, 
No storme could stint, nor frosen flood remoue, 
Nor water wast his flames of burning loue. 

To banish him no wile or wit auailes, 
No heart so hard, but melts as doth the waxe, 
To cure his wound all learned Phisicke failes, 
It burnes the breast, as fire consumes the flaxe: 
The fort of force must yeeld when loue assailes : 
Ech rebels mind with lingring siege he sacks. 
No towre so high, no castle halfe so strong, 
But loue at last will lay it quite along. 

And looke who once is tangled in his net, 
And beares his badge fast fixed in his brest, 
By no deuise or gile away may get, 
But foorth he must, and march among the rest. 



202 TRAGICALL TALES. 

By nature so the law of loue is set, 
As none hath will or power from him to wrest, 
No griefe so great, no toyle or trouble such, 
That faithfull louers thinke to be too much. 

No counsel! giuen by friend, no feare of foe, 
No rulers rod, no dread of threatning law, 
No wracke of wealth, nor mischiefs that may grow, 
Can cause the wight that loues to stand in awe : 
As flattly doth this former story show : 
Where you a wench so deepe in fansie saw 
As naught saue death might bring her woes to end, 
When she had lost her faithfull louing friend. 

Wherefore this wrong was great they did this maide : 
The brothers were a little not to blame, 
That would the wench from fixed fansie staid : 
And thought by force to quench her kindled flame. 
Loues heate is such, it skornes to be delaide. 
With greater ease you may a Tiger tame, 
Than win a wight whose liking once is set, 
Either to forgoe a friend, or to forget. 

Amor vince ogni cosa. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



203 



The Argument to the eight 

Hijiorie. 




[HEN Aristotimus did strike the stroke, 
In Elyesus, and did weld the Mace 
As King alone, so heauie was his yoke, 
That subiects thought themselues in wofull cace: 
For greedie guiles that gapt for giltles blood, 
Were best esteemde, and most in fauour stood. 
Ech villaine vile that vaunted of his vice, 

Ech loathsome leaclier longing for his lust, 

Was mounted vp, and held in hiest price, 

Sinne sate at bench, extortion counted iust, 

The best might bear no palme whilst he did rain, 

He banisht some, and some with sword were slain. 
Till Gods at last detesting murthers done 

Incenst the hearts of sundrie noble wights, 

For due reuenge, vnto his realm to ron, 

Where matchte with suche as were his housholde knights, 

With one consent this blooddy beast they slew, 

Amid the Church for Gods themselues to view. 
The woful Queen, the murthring monster wife, 

By fame assurde of dolefull husbands death, 

To flee the force, bereft her selfe of life, 

Enuying that her foes should stop her breath : 

Two Ladies eke, the daughters of the king, 

Had leaue to die, who hung themselues in string. 

2 c 



204 



TRAGICALL TALES. 




[HAT time the proude and puifant prince 
Antigonus, in hande 
The Macedonian Scepter held 
And gouernd all the land: 

There livde one Ariftotimus, 
A beaft of blooddie kinde, 
That all to monftrous murther did 
Imploy his Tigres minde. 

Who, when by fauour and by force 
Of Antigon the King, 
The ftate of Elyefus to 
His yoke and becke did bring: 

Full tyrantlike he ftrake the ftroke, 
And hauing got the crowne, 
Gaue vp himfelfe to loathfome lulf, 
And brought the fubiecls downe, 

That earfl in freedome long had livde. 
So mightie was his raigne, 
As to refill his cruell parts 
Men thought it all in vaine : 

What foule abufe was then vnwrought? 
What rigor left vntride ? 
What wicked pranks and pageants plaide 
Whilfl he the realme did gide? 



TRAGICALL TALES. 205 

His cankred nature all inclinde 
To slaughter and to blood, 
To kill the poore, and giltlefle foules, 
It did this monfter good : 

And to this murthering minde of his, 
He ioynde the vile aduife, 
Of barbarous people that to blood 
This tyrant did entife : 

The beaftlieft men that liuing were 
Alone he did not place 
In office, to controle the reft, 
( Which was a curfed cafe : 

That fuch vnciuill brutilh beafts 
Should rule a Princes land) 
But choze them for his perfons garde, 
To haue them neare at hand. 

Of all the vile vnkindlie partes 
That he aliue did play, 
I note but one aboue the reft, 
Wherein I minde to ftay, 

To fet this viper out to view : 
That all the world may fee 
What plagues in llore for cruell Kings 
By Gods referued be: 

Who though to drinke in golden cup, 
Andfeajl with daintie fare, 
And for a time abound in blifje, 
Yet end their Hues in care. 



206 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Andfieed of former fugred fops, 
They f wallow bitter gall, 
And from the top of kingly throne 
Abide the fiamefull fall . 

There dwelt within this tyrants realm 
A Citizen of fame, 
A man of wealth and great eftate, 
Phylodimus by name : 

Who father was vnto a wench 
For feature that did paffe, 
An A perfe, among the reft, 
And nurtred well (lie was. 

Faire Micca was this maidens name, 
Whole beautie did excell. 
This Tyrant had a Souldier, who 
Did like the virgin well, 

One Luzio, a royfting Roague 
In fauour with the king, 
That to the end he might the maid 
Vnto his bias bring, 

A meffenger difpatcht vnto 
The father, flraight to will 
Him yeeld his daughter to his hands, 
His pleafure to fulfill. 

He let him vnderitand his luft, 
The father feeing fuch 
A foule demaund, and ihamefull fute, 
Was vexed very much, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 207 

And gripte with anguifh of the minde : 
But hauing wayde the cafe, 
And knowing that this ruffian ltoode 
So in the princes grace: 

And highly was efteemde of him : 
Begonne to be afraide, 
And thereupon his wife and he 
Thought good to fend the maide: 

Whom they perfwaded as they might, 
For fafetie of her life, 
To yeelde the Souldier vp the fort, 
Withouten farther ftrife. 

But fliee (good heart) that lefle etteemde 
Her life than fpotleffe name, 
Well nurtred vp from tender youth, 
And aye, in feare of ihame, 

Fell proftrate at her fathers foote, 
Vpon her fainting knees, 
Imbracing him with bitter teares, 
The futes fhee made were thefe: 

That he would neuer fee her fpoilde 
Of fuch a varlet vile, 
Nor let a cutthrote fouldier fo 
His daughter to defile : 

But rather let her die the death 
With fathers willing knife: 
Than yeeld her vp to Luzios luft, 
To leade a ftrumpets life. 



208 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Shee was content with any lot, 
So fhee might fcape his hands. 
Whilll hearing thus his daughters plaints 
The wofull father ftandes : 

And with the mother wayles the hap, 
And pities of the maide, 
Not knowing what to doe therein : 
The Leacher that had ilaide 

And lookt for Miccas coraming long, 
Impacient of his flame 
And beaflly heat, to fet the wench 
Himfelfe in perfon came: 

Puft vp with deepe diftaine and wrath, 
And fild with enuious yre, 
That me did linger there fo long, 
Whom he did fo defire. 

Who being come vnto the houfe 
Where did this damfell dwell, 
And feeing her at fathers foote, 
For rage began to fwell, 

And much mifliking her delay, 
With fierce and frowning face, 
Controlde the wench, and bid her rife 
And follow him a pace : 

And muft I Damfell come (quoth hee) 
Mought meffage not fuffice? 
Doe way delayes, leaue of thofe teares, 
And wype your wantons eyes : 



TRAGICALL TALES. 209 

Difpatch and come along with me, 
Doe linger on no more. 
Whereat the wench renude her plaints, 
As fhee had done before : 

And made no haft at all to ryfe, 
But fate vpon her knees : 
Which Luzio feeing, all in rage 
Vnlo the mayden flees, 

And ftrips her naked as his nayle, 
And beate her round about, 
A thoufand ftripes he gaue the girle, 
That had not on a cloute 

To faue the burthen of a blowe 
From off her tender corfe. 
But fhee continde on her minde 
For all the villaynes force, 

Not weying all his blowes a beane, 
A mayde of manly harte: 
For though the bead had beate her fore, 
Shee made no ihewe of fmarte: 

Nor yelded any fighing fobbes, 
In proofe of inward payne, 
But valiantly abid the fcurge, 
And ready was agayne 

To doe the like, more rather thai 
To yelde to fuch a flaue, 
Or make him owner of the hold 
Which he did long to haue : 



210 TRAGICALL TALES. 

The wofull parentes viewing this 
With griefe and clewed eyes, 
Were greatly tho to pitie moude, 
And out they made their cryes : 

With fute of Luzio there to leaue 
And beate the mayde no more. 
But when they fawe they nought preuaild, 
Their aged lockes they tore. 

And out on God and man they call, 
Their daughter voyde of blame 
To fuccour being fore diftreil, 
Euen then at point of ihame. 

Which fute, and yelling crye of theirs 
Did make the monfler mad : 
And fet him farther in a rage, 
That earfl fo plagued had 

The mayden Micca voyd of gilt. 
With that he drawes his knife, 
And in the aged fathers fight 
Bereaues the wench of life. 

Out gufht apace the purple blood 
From Miccas tender limmes, 
In fuch abundance, as about 
The place the mayden fwimmes: 

A perfit proofe that all the zeale 
Which Luzio bore the wench, 
Did only growe of Leachers lull, 
Whom wrath fo foone could quench. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 211 

For had he grounded luft on loue, 
Or fanlide Micca well, 
He would not fo haue flaine a mayd, 
Whole bewtie did excell. 

Farewell to thee Dianas Nimphe, 
Thy vertue was fo great, 
As well thou didfl among the gods 
Deferue to haue a feate. 

For Lucrece could haue done no more 
Than yelde her felfe to dye, 
And in defence of fpotlefle fame 
A tyrants hand to trye. 

What kingly hart, what princely breft? 
Nay more, what manly mynde 
Could fee, or fuffer fuch a facie, 
Againfl the lawes of kynde? 

Would any man of womans milke, 
Endure fo foule a deede, 
Not yelding him that playd the parte, 
A gibbot for his meed ? 

And yet this butchers bloody rage, 
This tyrant could not moue 
To hate him ought the more, but eke 
The good that did reproue 

The filthy villayne for his vice, 
The Prince did make away. 
For fome of them with cruell fworde 
He out of hand did llaye, 

2 D 



212 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And other fome he forfte abrode 
As banifht men to rome, 
Eight hundreth at the leaft, into 
Aeolia fled from home, 

For fuccours fake, to faue their liues, 
And fcape his hatefull hande, 
Who only fought the fpoyle of fuch 
As dwelt within his lande : 

Where hauing certain months remaind 
Thefe exile wightes did wryte 
In humble wife, by lowly fute 
That they fuch fauour might 

Obtaine from Ariftotimus, 
As to enioy their wiues 
And filly babes, the only ftaffe 
And flay of all their lyues. 

But nought their letters moght auaile, 
He would not condifcend 
In any cafe, the Matrones to 
The banifht men to fend : 

In hope by that to force them home, 
And fo to wreake his fpite 
Vpon thofe wife forecafting wightes 
That faude themfelues by flight. 

But yet he caufde a trumpe in fine 
To found in market place, 
To fhew that he was well content, 
And that it pleafde his grace, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 213 

That wiues fliould feeke their hufbands out : 
And gaue them leaue befide, 
With bagge and baggage, babes and all, 
Without reftrainte to ride. 

Hee licenfl them to iourney thence, 
And parte the citie quight, 
Which tidings made the Matrons glad, 
The newes did breed delight: 

The packts and fardles then were made, 
The wagons were puruayde, 
Both carte and horfes readie were, 
And women well apayde, 

That to their hufbands they ihould paffe 
When poynted day drewe on, 
The ftreets were fluft with cariage, wiues 
Were readie to be gone: 

Their little babes and all were there, 
The porter only was 
The caufe of flay, without whofe leaue 
There might no carriage paffe. 

Whilfl they at gate thus wayting were, 
A farre they might efpye 
A trowpe of fweating Souldiers runne, 
That made a cruell crye : 

And willd the women there to ftoppe, 
And thence agayne to goe 
Into the citie whence they came, 
The Princes will was fo: 



214 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Thofe hewfters draue the horfes back, 
The ftreetes were fomewhat ftraight, 
Which made the preafe exceeding great, 
The iades were fully fraight 

With heauie burdens on their backes, 
Which fo anoyde the way, 
As women might not well retyre, 
Nor there in fafetie ftaye. 

But by the meane of horfe and men 
Such hurlie burlie grewe, 
That there the iades from off their backs 
The little infants threwe. 

The wofull fight that euer man 
Of honefl harte might fee, 
Such filly foules in fuch a throng 
Of cartes and coltes to bee : 

Who could not helpe them felues a whit, 
Nor haue the mothers ayde, 
For they (good matrons) by this chaunce 
Were verie much difmayd. 

For as their glee was great before, 
And ioyfull eke the newes, 
To parte the towne: fo this areft 
Did make them greatly mufe. 

Ther might you fee fome babes braines 
About the channel lie, 
Some broken legs, fome broofed armes, 
And fome with feare did crie. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 215 

Were few but felt fome part of paines, 
In fuch a retchles throng: 
And fliee, that fcaped beft away, 
Was crufht, and curftlie wrong. 

When the Souldiers reckned had, 
And taken full accompte 
Of wyues, and babes, and knew the fumme 
Whereto the whole did mounte : 

Vnto the Pallace ward they draue . 
Them like a flocke of fheepe, 
Which hired fhepherdes on the hills 
For meate and wagies keepe. 

And beate the fdlie foules a good, 
That feemd to flacke the way, 
Who, what for feare and faintneffe would 
Bene very glad to flay. 

When to the tyrants court they came, 
The monfter by and by 
Bereft the matrons all their robes, 
Both wyues and babes to lye 

In pryfon eke he gaue the charge: 
Thus were they foule beguild, 
Who thought (good dames) to feeke their men, 
From Countrie bounds exilde. 

Here will I leaue with heauie hartes, 
The wyues their woes to waile, 
Who hoping to depart the towne 
Were clofely kept in gayle, 



216 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And to the townes men will returne, 
Who, when they fawe the rage 
Their Prince was in, and will not how 
His rancour to afTwage, 

Amongft themfelues deuifde at laft 
One pra6tife to approue, 
Whereby perhaps they might haue hap 
The tyrants hart to moue. 

They had within the citie walles 
A forte of facred dames 
Whom finne they thought it to abufe, 
I wote not well their names : 

Of Denys order all they were, 
Sixtene, or there aboute. 
The Citizens did deeme it good 
The Nunnes to furnifh out 

With robes and reliques of the church : 
And in their hands to beare 
Their painted Gods, proceffion wife, 
As was the cuftome there: 

Well hoping by this fubtill flight 
To moue the Prince his harte, 
Who though did murther men, they hopt 
Yet had not layde aparte 

All feare and dread of facred faintes, 
(As it fell out in deed) 
For when that euery virgin had 
Put on her holy weed, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 217 

Alonglt the towne they gan to goe, 
In very graue aray, 
With humble fute to llirre the Prince 
To pitie thofe that lay 

In prifon, mothers with their babes, 
Which was a wofull cafe. 
As then, by chaunce the Tyrant was 
Amid the. market place. 

The Souldiers feeing dames deuoute 
So deckt with temple fluffe, 
For reuerence of their order, did 
Begin to fland aloofe, 

And gaue them leaue to preafe vnto 
The Tyrant, where he was: 
Who hauing licence, through the midft 
Of all the gard did paffe : 

And being fomewhat neere the prince, 
The king began to ftay, 
To know, both whe the women came, 
And what they had to fay. 

They told their tale, and movde the fute, 
And opened their intent: 
Which when the Tyrant vnderftood, 
Perceiuing what they ment : 

Vnto his traine he made a turne, 
With grim and ghaftly cheere, 
Controuling them, that did permit 
The Nunnes to come fo neere. 



218 TRAGICALL TALES. 

I lay the Tyrants taunts afide, 
I purpofe not to put 
His kingly chafe within my verfe : 
But Souldiers combes were cut. 

With that the gard began to grudge, 
And for the checke they had, 
With Holbards, which they held in hand, 
They laid about like mad, 

And bitterly did beate the dames, 
With many a clubifh blowe, 
Refpeel of reliques laid afide, 
The Souldiers raged fo. 

Thus did they vfe the facred Nymphes 
That were to Denyfe vowde : 
And to encreafe their griefes the more, 
Ech virgin eke allowde 

Two talents for a recompence, 
Befides their hurts receivde : 
Thus of their purpofe, both the dames, 
And Citie was deceyvde. 

At felfe fame time, there liuing was 
A man of great renowme, 
When this outrage was put in vfe, 
And dwelt within the towne : 

Ellanycus this noble hight, 
Then liricken well in age, 
Whofe fonnes though Ariftotimus 
Had murthred in his rage : 



TRAGICALL TALES. ' 219 

Yet did miftruft him nought at all 
Becaufe he was fo olde, 
Was thought vnable ought to doe, 
Which made the tyrant bolde. 

This aged father waying well 
His fonnes and countries fpoile, 
Determinde with himfelfe to put 
The tyrant to the foyle, 

And take reuenge of blood, by blood, 
Of death, by murther done. 
Loe here I leaue the Prince a while 
His headlong race to runne. 

I muft againe conuert my tale 
Vnto thofe banifht wights, 
Whom fore it yrkt fo long to lack 
Their wiues and fweet delights. 

For countrie hue by kinde doth worke 
In euery honejl brejl, 
And till we make returne againe 
We neuer Hue at reft. 

It was not long (I fay) ere they, 
That to Aolia were 
By Ariftotimus exilde, 
And forft to tary there, 

With ioynt confent of many moe, 

Tooke armes againft the king: 

To bid him battaile out of hand 

Their Souldiers they did bring 

2 E 



220 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Within the tyrants countrie boundes, 
And did poffeffe the land 
That bordred on the citie which 
This monfter held in hand. 

There making (lout and ftrong defence 
Againfl the Princes powre, 
From whence they might with eafe afTail, 
And eke the foe deuoure. 

And to increafe their might the more, 
All fuch as fled for feare 
From Elyefus, ioynde their bandes, 
And were vnited there : 

So that the whole affembled rout 
Vnto an armie grew: 
So many were thofe banifht men 
That from their countrie flew. 

Wherwith the Tyrant gan to quake, 
And tremble verie much, 
For why? this battaile that did grow, 
His ftate did greatly touch. 

The hammers beate within his brains, 
As on a fmithes forge, 
He will not how to void the foe, 
Or troubles to difgorge, 

That on his backe were like to light: 
At length he thus bethought, 
That hauing all their wiues and babes 
Who all the mifchiefe wrought, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 221 

In prifon clofely vnder key, 
He hopte he mought with eai'e, 
Deuife a meane the malice of 
His enemies to appeafe, 

Not by entreatie but by force : 
For fo his cankred minde 
Was bent to rigour : as of courfe 
It is the Tyrants kinde. 

Wherefore vpon a day he went 
Vnto the prifon, where 
The fillie captiue Ladies lay, 
With countnance full of feare, 

With glowing eies, with bended browes, 
And angrie Lions looke, 
Commanding thofe whofe hufbands earll 
Their natiue foyle forfooke, 

To write their letters out of hand, 
And fpeede a poaft away 
With earneft fute vnto the men 
From farther force to flay, 

And do their wrathfull weapons down : 
Thus wild he them to write. 
This was the fumme that he would haue 
Thofe women to endite. 

Which of you do refufe (quoth he) 
To complifh by and by, 
Be fure thofe eluifh brattes of yours 
And puling babes fhall die : 



222 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And more than that, you (mothers) you 
Shall not be clere exempt 
Of torment, but be duly fcurgde 
For penance of contempt. 

The women aunfwerd not a word, 
Which chaft the tyrant fore : 
Who being thus to choler movde, 
Bid them delay no more, 

Nor trifle, but refolue vpon 
The matter out of hand, 
If not, they fhoulde his princely power 
And pleafure vnderftand. 

The Ladies doubtfull what to fay, 
Vpon ech other gazde, 
As who would fay, they feared not, 
But fomewhat were amazde. 

There was by chance amongft the reft, 
One wife, a worthie dame, 
Temoliont her hufband bight, 
Megeflen was her name, 

W T ho for the honour of her fpoufe, 
A man of good difcent, 
And her good vertues, farre before 
Thofe other matrons went : 

One whom the reft did reuerence much 
And honor for her wit : 
This Ladie whilft the tyrant talkt, 
With fober grace did fit, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 223 

And neuer movde her felfe a whit, 
But caufde the others eke 
To doe the like : who when the Prince 
Had done his tale, gan fpeake, 

Not honoring the king at all, 
And thus the Ladie fed : 

Ariftotimus, hadft thou 
Had iudgement in thy hed, 

Or any wifedome in thy breft, 
Thou wouldft not thus entice, 
Or goe about to make vs write 
Our letters of aduice 

Vnto our hufbands, teaching them 
How they fiiould doe and deale, 
In cafe concerning good eftate 
Of this our common weale. 

Farre fitter had it been for thee 
Vs matrons to haue fent 
In meffage, vfing better termes 
To further thine intent, 

And better order in thy deedes 
Than thou haft done of late : 

1 meane the time, when we were ftaide 
Euen at the caftle gate 

At point to iffue out of towne. 
Thou mockdft vs there in deede, 
Full greatly to thy taynte and fhame. 
But now that things proceede 



224 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Againft thee as thou knowfle no meane 
To fcape the prefent doubt: 
If now (I fay) by meane of vs 
In fpeech thou goe about 

Our hufbands to begile, as vs 
In deedes thou hail before: 
I tell thee plaine thou art deceivde, 
Thou fcanfte without thy fcore. 

That they be not entrapt againe, 
Wee women will beware : 
I would not wifh thou fliouldft furmife 
That we fuch Affes are 

Or fotted fo, as feeking wayes 
To ayde and faue our fehies 
From paine of prifon, and to eafe 
Our little apifh elues : 

We would aduife our hufbands to 
Defpife their countrie wealth, 
Whofe freedome dearer ought to be 
Than any womans health. 

The loffe were light, though we decay, 
That babes and women be: 
And better were, our hufbands fhould 
Vs all in cofyn fee, 

Than they fhould vnreuenged goe, 
Or die, without the foyle 
Of him that feekes to murther men, 
And worke his countrie fpoyle. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 225 

This Ladie would haue further eon 
And tolde the proceffe out, 
Saue that the Tyrant grew in rage, 
And gaflly lookt about, 

Vnable longer to endure 
The force of furious rage: 
Go firra, goe in pofte and fetche 
(Quoth he vnto his page) 

This defperate dames vnhappie babe : 
And ere I parte this place, 
I will deftroy and flay the fonne 
Before the mothers face. 

Whilfte thus the Page in meffage fent 
Went feeking here and there 
Among the other boyes, this dame 
(A Ladie voyde of feare) 

Had fpide anon her little impe: 
Come hither, come (quoth fhe) 
My prettie elfe, yet rather I 
My felfe will murther thee 

With friendly mothers forced hande, 
And reaue thy limmes of life, 
Than euer with thy bloud thou fhalte 
Imbrue a butchers knife. 

Which fpeach of hers fo fpitefull was, 
And nipt the King fo nye, 
As he in furie farther fette, 
Did fweare the dame fhould die. 



226 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And therewithall fet hand to fworde 
To let the Ladie blood, 
That readie there to brooke his force 
Before his prefence flood. 

And died doubtles there fhee had, 
And caught a fodaine clappe 
To fet her packing, faue there was 
A friend of his by happe, 

One Cylo, whom he deerly loude, 
That held the Princes arme, 
And was the caufe, by flay thereof, 
The Lady had no harrae. 

This Cylo he was one of them 
Who ment to flay the king 
With helpe of good Ellanycus : 
They had deuifde the thing 

Long earft betwixt themfelues: for why? 
They could no longer byde 
This cruell monlters bluddie hande, 
And ftomache ftuft with pride. 

This fage appeafde the Princes wrath, 
Who hauing throughly made 
A truce betwixt his rage and him, 
And caufde him fheathe his blade: 

Perfwaded that it yll became, 
And was a brutifh thing, 
For him that was a noble peere, 
Yea fuch a puifant King, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 227 

To bathe his blade in woraans blond : 
The conquefl was vnfitte 
For fuch as in the like eftate 
And royall roome did fitte, 

Within a while that this was done, 
A marueilous happe befell 
To Ariftotimus, that did 
This tyrants death foretell. 

For being with his Queene in bed 
In daliance and delight. 
His feruants, going to their meate, 
An Egle fawe in fight, 

That made vnto the Pallacewarde, 
As fall as fliee mought flie : 
This vggly Egle came amayne, 
And foaring in the fkie 

Juft oueragainfl the very place, 
Somewhat befide the hall 
Where lay the Prince, from out her foote 
The foule a ftone let fall, 

And prefently vpon the deed 
Away apace did flie 
Quite out of fight, and as the went 
Shee gaue a cruell crye. 

Whereat the feruants meruelld much, 
And made fo great a dyn, 
As therewithall the king awoke 
That had in flumber byn. 

2f 



228 TRAGICALL TALES. 

His feruants tolde him what they faw, 
And how the cafe did ftande, 
He all in poaft, vpon reporte, 
Sent horfemen out of hand, 

For one that was a deepe deuine, 
In whom he did affye 
To fhewe the cafe, to heare his minde, 
And what was ment thereby. 

The Prophet made him anfwere thus : 
O puifant Prince, (quoth he) 
Difgorge thy care, abandon feare, 
Let nothing trouble thee. 

Pluck vp thy manly harte: for Ioue 
Doth tender thine eftate, 
And makes a fpeciall care of thee, 
The Egle that of late 

Thy feruants fawe, his herald is 
Whom he in meflage fent, 
To fhew thee, that the mightie God 
Is very greatly bent 

To ayde thy force againft thy foes, 
Who long with murthring knife, 
To fpoyle theyr countrie of their king 
And reaue the Princes life. 

But boldly this prefume, that God 
Himfelfe will ft and with thee, 
Gainft fuch as feeke thy death, and who 
Thy mortall enemies bee. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 229 

The tale this cunning Calcar tolde, 
Did eafe the tyrants breft 
Of diuers doubtes, wherewith he was 
By Egles meane oppreft. 

Hee foundly flepte, not doubting death, 
Nor fearing ciuil fworde : 
But marke the end, and what it was 
To trull a Prophets worde. 

For hereupon the men that ment 
The murther of the king, 
(Ellanicus, and all his mates) 
Thought good to doe the thing 

Which they pretended out of hande, 
Not making longer Hay. 
And fo among themfelues eft foone 
Concluded, on the day 

That followed next to worke the feate 
And bring their drifte to pafle, 
And that felfe night, Ellanicus, 
As he in flumber was, 

Dreamte, that the elder of his fonnes 
Whom earll the tyrant llewe, 
Prefented him before his face, 
With wordes that here enfue : 

Why fleepe, and flugge you (father deare) 
Why doe you linger fo? 
That you to morowe ihall fubdue 
Doe you as yet not know? 



230 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And reaue this citie from the king- 
Who now enioyes the fame? 
Departe your pillow (father mine) 
And balke your bed for fhame. 

Wherewith Ellanycus reliude, 
And hoping then in deede 
Of happie lucke, in breake of day 
Sought out his crewe with fpeede. 

That were eonfedered in the facie : 
Perfwading them to carle 
All dread aparte, and flat to fall 
Vnto their feate at lafle. 

And at the felfe fame time the king 
(As hapte) a virion had, 
That fed him with affured hope, 
And made him paffing glad. 

This dreame prefented to his thought, 
That with a mightie trayne 
Craterus came, to take his parte, 
Refiftance was in vayne. 

There was no caufe why he fhould care, 
But be of courage ftoute, 
For that Craterus had befet 
Olympia rounde about. 

This virion vayne, of good fucceile 
Did fo afliire the king, 
As in the dawning timely hee 
Not dreading any thing 



TRAGICALL TALES. 231 

Departes the Pallace, voyde of awe, 
With whom there only went 
That Cylo, which was one of thofe 
That all this mifchief ment. 

By one and one his other men 
Did followe fomewhat flacke: 
Which when Ellanycus perceiude, 
How hee his trajme did lacke : 

The time is fitted finely then, 
The feafon feemed good, 
Vnto this auncient foe of his, 
To let this tyrant blood, 

Without the mums' anv fiffne, 
For fo deuifde he had 
With fuch as were his fellow friendes : 
But being very glad, 

Vp lifteth he his aged armes 
Vnto the azurde fkies, 
And with the lowdeft voyce he could, 
Vnto his mates he cryes : 

Why doe you loyter, (valiant laddes) 
And men of great renowne, 
To doe fo worthy deede as this, 
Amid your noble towne? 

Which worde no foner fpoken was, 
But Cylo firft of all 
Set hand to fword, and drewe it out, 
And flewe me therewithal!, 



•232 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Firft one of thofe that iffued with 
The tyrant him to garde. 
Who fo fhould take a tyrants parte, 
Deferues the like rewarde. 

Then after that, when Cylo thus 
The matter had begunne, 
Lampydio, and Trafybule 
With all their force did runne 

Vpon the monfter, fully bent 
Him out of hand to flay, 
Who then began to trull his legges : 
For why? he ran his way, 

To fcape the danger of his death, 
And to the temple fled 
Of Iupiter the mightie God, 
In hope to faue his hed. 

But heathen Gods mought nothing help, 
His enemies were fo hote, 
As him amid the facred Church 
With fhining fwordes they fmote, 

And there bereft him of his life, 
That well deferude to dye : 
And after dragde him blooddy thence 
In open ftreete to lye. 

There lay his loathfome carkaffe flaine 
For euery man to vewe, 
The people did reioyce at harte 
For freedome gote anewe. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 233 

So glad were neuer hungrie houndes 
Purlliing of the hare, 
To faften on the fearfull beafl 
Each dogge to haue his fhare, 

As were the fubiecls eger then 
The tyrant to purfue, 
With hatefull blood of fuch a beaft 
Their wepons to imbrevv. 

Whilft thus the folkes debating flood 
Of matter hapt fo late, 
Ech wife began to gaze about, 
And prie to finde her mate. 

For now the banifht men were come 
Vnto the towne againe. 
To tell the mirth at meeting tho 
I thinke it were in vaine. 

For as their care was common earit, 
Whilft he the realme did gide, 
So femblant was their ioy no doubt, 
When fuch a monfler dyde. 

This done, the people gan to preace 
Vnto their Pallaceward, 
But ere they came, how matters went, 
The quaking Queene had hard, 

And of the flaughter of her King, 
Full heauie newes, God wot: 
Wherefore miftrufling what would hap. 
Eftfoone her felfe fhe got 



234 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Into a priuie counting houfe, 
Where to efcape their force, 
About a beame fhee hung a fheete, 
And ftrangled fo her corfe. 

A doleful cafe that any dame 
That wes a Princes wife, 
Should for her hufbands fake, be forft 
To rid herfelfe of life. 

But yet of both, more happy fhe, 
Than was her hufband flaine: 
For ventroufly fhee put her felfe 
To death, not dreading paine, 

But he the captiue, cowardlike 
To Ioue for fuccour ran, 
And tooke the temple, like a wretch. 
And dide not like a man. 

But turne we to our tale againe : 
The tyrant by this Queene 
Two daughters had, the fairefl wights 
That lightly mought be feene, 

And ripe in yeeres to match with men 
Who hauing heard report 
How that their father murthred was 
In fuche a cruell fort : 

In minde to void the furious foes 
(As virgins full of feare) 
Conuaide themfelues into a vawte 
To flay in fafetie there. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 235 

But they that fought fo many were, 
And pryed fo well about, 
As in the feller where they lay, 
They found the maidens out. 

Whom thence, without delay, they drew, 
And whet their eger knyues, 
As fully bent as men mought be, 
To reaue the Ladies hues. 
• But there by hap Megeften was, 
Of whom we fpake before, 
At whofe entreatie, and the fute 
Of other matrones more, 

Thofe noble Nymphs wer tho forborn, 
For thus Megeflen faid 
To fuch as fought to doe the deede: 
In flaying of a maid 

You do the thing that Butchers hearts 
Would neuer vndertake, 
Good faith it were a fhamefull fac~l 
So vile a fpoile to make, 

As file your lifters with virgins blood, 
Againft your manly kinde : 
Let greedie luft to be auengde 
Not make your eyes fo blinde. 

But rather, if fo be, there is 
No nay, but they mufl die, 
Giue leaue, at my requefl, that they 
Their proper ftrength may trie. 

2 G 



236 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Let them make choice vpon their death, 
And fcape your handie force. 
Whereto they all agreed in one, 
But no man tooke remorfe. 

It irckt them that the tyrants blood 
Shouldfl reft fo long vnfhed : 
There were appointed for the nonce 
That both the Ladies led 

Into an inner lodging, where 
When they arriued were, 
The eldeft fifter like a Dame 
Vndaunted, voyde of feare, 

From off her wafte did loofe the fcarfe 
That girt her loynes about, 
And bid her yonger fifter doe 
The like with courage ftout : 

Then to a refter of the houfe, 
Their girdles both were tide, 
The knots and all were fitly made 
To caufe the filke to Hide. 

Who fo had vewde thofe virgins then 
He would haue thought, that they 
Had not intended by and by 
Such break neck game to play. 

Their faces were fo frefh to fight, 
Their eyes did neuer flare, 
Their tungs pronounft their tales as though 
Their hartes had felt no care. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 237 

Their outward geflure fhewde a ioy, 
More rather than diftreffe: 
When thus (I fay) the knots were knit, 
To do the feate, the leffe 

Of both the Ladies tooke the elder 
Sifter by the hand, 
Requefting her, that fliee as then 
So much her friend would ftand, 

As firfl to let her die the death, 
And play her part before: 
To whom the elder anfwered thus: 
As neuer heretofore 

I haue denyde thee (Sifter) aughte 
In all my life, fo now 
Euen at my death I am content 
Vnto thy will to bow. 

Thou fhalt haue leaue to let me hue, 
Till thou be dead and gone: 
But that which greeues me moft of all, 
And giues me caufe of mone, 

Is, that I hue to fee thy death 
Before my loffe of life. 
The yonger Ladie thereupon 
Without a farther ftrife 

Conuaid her head into the fcarfe : 
The other Handing there, 
Gaue counfell fo to place the knot 
Juft vnderneath the eare, 



238 TRAGICALL TALES. 

As lightly the might loofe her breath, 
And rid her felfe of paine : 
The yonger followed her aduife, 
An eafie death to gaine. 

A wofull thing for me to write, 
And loathfome eke to yon, 
(Deare Ladies) who to pafle their time 
Shall hap my book to view: 

To thinke that two fuch virgins, borne 
And bred in Princely bliffe, 
Should be inforft in fine to make 
So hard a choyce as this. 

But (as the auncient Prouerbe goes) 
Perforce obaies no law: 
The crabbed carters whip will cauje 
A Jiately jleed to drawe. 

The yonger filler thus bereft 
Of life, the elder came 
And cut the girdle of the beame 
To hide her fillers fliame, 

As well as fhee (good Ladie) might. 
Then was her part to play : 
Who putting on that other fcarfe 
About her necke, gan fay 

Vnto Megeften: Noble dame, 
When thou fhalt fee me ded, 
For honours fake vnto thy kinde 
See thou my carkaffe led 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



239 



In place that is for maidens meete, 
Let not my body lie 
Defpoyld of robes, to naked fhew 
And view of euerie eye. 

And with her faying, downe fliee lliptc, 
And by her bodies peafe, 
( Though light it were) did flop her pipes, 
And foe the dyde with eafe. 



&b$ ttenuog* 




HOSE reahues right happy are, where princes raigue, 
That measure out by vertue all their deecles, 
Abhorring with their vassals blood to staine 
Their sacred hands, and gore their kingly weedes: 
The subiects there with willing harts obay, 
And Peeres be safe from fall and foule decay. 



But (out alas) where awfull Tyrants hold 
In haughtie cruell hands the royall powre, 
And mischiefe runnes by office vncontrolde, 
There aye the great the lesser sort deuoure : 
By daylie proofe ech one may daily see, 
That such as rulers are, such subiects be. 



Vnlesse the law forbid the lewde to sinne, 
Vnlesse the Prince by rigor vices quell, 
Disorders will by sufferance soone rush in : 
Who striues not then in mischiefe to excell? 
By nature man vnto the worst is bent, 
If holesome statutes stay not his entent. 



240 TRAGICALL TALES. 

A hungrie wight is hardly barde from food, 
The kindled straw is seldome when put out, 
A Tyrant that hath tasted once of blood, 
With much adoe forbeares the sillie rout: 
So sweete is sinne, as once from vertue fall, 
And thou art lightly lost for good and all. 

No looking backe, no bending foote about, 
No feare of fall for many a mischiefes past, 
No ill reuokt, no dread of any doubt, 
Till God by heapes powre downe his plagues at last : 
As by this verse is plainly set to view, 
No matter fainde, but auncient storie true. 

Who would by might haue maintained Luzios lust, 
That slewe the childe before the fathers face? 
What king would wincke at matter so vniust ? 
Or fauour Bufflan in so foule a case? 
The fact was vile, and dreadfull vengeance dewe 
Vnto a Prince, that such disorder knewe. 

To bolster vice in others is a blame, 
For such as may by power suppresse the deed: 
But crowned Kings incurre the greatest shame 
When they themselues on Subiects flesh do feede : 
For Lions take no pleasure in the blood 
Of any beast vnlesse they be withstood. 

And when such states so fouly doe offend, 
Not they alone doe bide the bitter scurge, 
But subiects are for rulers vices shend : 
As when the Sea doth yeeld to great a surge, 
The lesser brookes doe swell aboue their boundes, 
And ouerflow like floods the lower grounds. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 241 

Lyacon lewde, that fed on strangers blood, 
Although hiraselfe were he that God forgate, 
Yet causer was that Ioue with sodaine flood 
Drownde all the world, saue Pyrrha and her mate : 
Thus one ill yeere may worke ten thousands woe, 
God hates yll kings, and doth detest them so. 

As heere we see this vgly Tyrants wife, 
And giltlesse broode that neuer did offend, 
Raunsomde the fathers faultes by losse of life, 
And he hiniselfe was brought to wretched end : 
Wherefore let Peeres and states vprightly stand, 
Least they and theirs be toucht by Gods owne hande. 

For he that guydes the golden globe aloft, 
Beholdes from hie, and markes the deedes of man, 
And hath reuenge for euery wicked thought, 
Though he forbeare through mercy now and than : 
He suffereth long, but sharpely payes at last, 
If we correct not our misdoings past. 

He spares no more the Monarche than the Page, 
No more the Keysars than the countrie Clownes, 
He fauours not the auncient for their age, 
He cuts off Kings, for all their costly Crownes : 
No royall roabes, no scepter, no deuice, 
Can raunsome those that fauour fylthy vice. 



242 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



The Argument to the ninth 
Hyjiorie. 




YMONA likt of Pasquine passing well, 
And he did frie as fast with egal flame, 
In sorte, as on a time these louers fell 
To make a match, of purpose for the same : 
With one consent where time and place was set, 
This louing couple in a garden met. 
There ech to other vttered their deuise, 

To salue the sores that fancy fixt in brest, 

They kist, they colld, thus neither part was nice, 

To take the time of both is compted best: 

Amid their glee, twas Pasquines hap to spie 

A". bed of sage, that there was growing by: 
Whereof he pluckt a leafe to rubbe his iawes, 

And presently fell dead vpon the deede: 

The wench exclamde, whose soden crie did cause 

The neighbours by to come away with speede: 

The man was founde there senselesse as he lay, 

And she (boore wench) as captiue borne away. 
The Crowner sate, the iurie was in place, 

The witnesse came for triall of the truth, 

The Iudge was there: who hearing all the case, 

And hauing of the silly mayden ruth, 

For pitie pausde, and to the garden went, 

To learne the troth, and scan of her intent. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



•243 



Symona straight vnto the border ranne, 
Where grew the Sage, and pluckt a leafe or twaine, 
And therewithal! to frote her gummes began, 
As one that would bene quit of murther faine: 
Lo thus (quoth she) my Lord, did he before, 
And thus was all, I sawe him doe no more. 

And with the word before the Iudge his face, 
The giltlesse maide fell groueling on the ground, 
And there she died before them all in place, 
And then the cause of both their banes was found 
The tale ensues, which more at large doth tell, 
Both of their loues, and how their deathes befell. 




HE fame of Florence is fo great, 
That fimple men do knowe 
The brute therof by true report : 
Where dwelt not long agoe, 

A virgin frefh and favre to viewe, 



A iolly kifty dame, 
As any was in all the towne, 
Symona was her name. 

Whofe beautie though were very braue 
And kinde had done as much 
For her, as ihe mought well requeft, 
Yet fortune feemde to grutche 

And malice at her featurd fhape: 
For as the fame did paffe, 
Euen fo her father of the meane 
And bafefl order was. 



2 ii 



244 TRAGICALL TALES. 



A man not haueing welth at will, 
The {lately miftreffe chaunce, 
Would not voutchfafe from lowe eflate 
This mifer to aduaunce, 

And hereupon the fathers want, 
With whom it went fo harde, 
Of force eonflrainde the mayde to get 
Her liuing by the carde 

And wheele and other like deuice, 
As felly maydens vfe, 
With handy worke die wo mi e her bread, 
She could none other chufe, 

Who though to earne her meat and drink, 
In fpinning fpent the day : 
Yet in this beggers breft of hers, 
A Lordlike hart there lay, 

That durft adventure to affay 
The force of Cupides flame : 
For by the ieflures and the talk 
Of one that daily came 

Vnto the houfe where flie abode, 
A paffing pleafant lad, 
One of her owne eflate, for wealth, 
That of his miftreffe had 

Both wool and yarne to fpin and twiit: 
The wench Symona fell 
In fancy with this merry Greeke, 
And lykt the weauer well. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 245 

The virgin by his fvveete regardes 
Was entred very farre, 
And mafht within the net of loue: 
But yet fhe did not dare 

To further on that firfl attempt, 
She fryde with fecret fyre, 
Of Pafquine (thus the youth was tearmd) 
Whom fhe did fo defire. 

But euer as me twifted had 
A threed vpon the wheele, 
A thoufand fcalding fighes fhe fette : 
The filly wench did feele 

Them whotter farre than any flame 
Thus ifTuing from her bred : 
And euer as flie went about, 
She thought vpon the guefl 

That brought the wool, to haue it wrought, 
The fpinning bredde the fpight, 
The threedes did make her minde the man, 
When he was out of fight. 

And fhall we deeme the weauer, whom 
The mayden loude fo well, 
Quite voyde of wanton humors ? no : 
For he to liking fell, 

And likewife eake as carefull woxe 
As was the louing trull, 
To fee that fhee did well difpatch 
And fpinne his miftreffe wooll. 



246 TRAGICALL TALES. 

(As though the making of the cloth 
All wholly did depend, 
And only on Symonas threed) 
Which made him not to fende, 

But often come him felfe, to fee 
How flie her wheele applyde : 
He neuer vfde to goe fo ofte 
To any place befide. 

And thus the one, by making meanes, 
The other by defire 
She had to be thus fude vntoo, 
It hapt, he felt a fyre 

Vnwonted, flaming in his breft : 
And flie had fliifted feare 
And fhame afide, which ftill before 
Her chiefefl iewels were. 

And hereupon they ioyntly fell 
Each other well to leeke, 
Both parties did fo well agree, 
Small neede it was to feeke 

Which of them both fliould firft affayle, 
Each fancyde other fo, 
As by each others face, each friend, 
Each others heart did know,. 

And thus from day to day it grewe, 
And ftill enkindled more, 
The flaming loue which flie to him, 
And he Symona bore. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 247 

Vntill at length this Pafquine prayde 
The mayden earneftly, 
To worke fuch way and meanes to come 
Vnto a garden by, 

Where he would tarrie her in place 
Vntill fuch time die came, 
For that the garden was a plotte 
Conuenient for the fame, 

And meerely voyde of all fufpecl : 
There might they talke their fill. 
Symona like a gentle wench, 
Did graunt him her good will. 

One holyday at after noone, 
Her father to deceiue, 
Symona came with folemne fute, 
Requefting him of leaue 

To goe vnto faint Gallus Church, 
To fetch a pardon there. 
The felly aged fyre agreed, 
Whofe eye the mayd did bleare: 

For hereupon, another wench, 
Lagina cald, and die 
Vnto the garden went, where they 
Had poynted him to bee. 

But Pafquine, ere they came, was there, 
And brought with him a mate, 
Cald Stramba (Puccio was his name:) 
This Stramba he fhould prate, 



248 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And with Lagina chatte of loue, 
The matche was pointed thus : 
And whilft thefe two groffe louers did 
Their matters fo difcuffe, 

Vnto the farther end of all 
The garden, Pafquine went, 
And with Symona there conferde 
As touching his entent. 

Heare leaue I (Ladies) both the talke 
Which Stramba did deuife 
Vnto his new acquainted laffe, 
Prefume his tale was wife: 

For as Cupido whets the tongue, 
So doth he fharp the braine 
Of thofe that loue, and earneft are 
Their Ladies to attaine. 

And though perhaps this fellow wer 
Not come of gentle kinde, 
Yet being matcht with on he likt, 
Perhaps coulde tell his minde. 

For fanfie makes the foolifh wife, ^ 
And compaffe in his hed, J 

By what deuice he may atchieue 
His liked Ladies bed. 

To Pafquine turne we now againe, 
Who (as I faid) of late 
Was ftept afide, of purpofe with 
His minion to debate. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 249 

There was, where he did fit, by chance 
Conferring of the cafe, 
A goodly bordered bed of fage, 
Euen full befide the place, 

Where as this louing couple coapt 
In fecret fport and play : 
Who haueinw long with merrie talke 
Confumde the time away, 

And made appointment eke to meete 
Another day againe, 
To banquet with Symona there 
To feele a farther vaine. 

This Pafquine to the fage reforts, 
Whereof a leafe he flrips 
To rub his teeth and gummes withall, 
Hee put it twixt his lips, 

And fo began to touch his teeth, 
And therewithall did fay, 
That Sage was very good to freat 
The filthie flefh away 

That ftucke betwixt his hollow teeth. 
Within a while that he 
Had praclifde thus vpon his gummes 
His countnance gan to be 

Quite altered from the former forme, 
And after that a fpace 
That thus his vifage fwolne was 
Vnto an vglie face, 



'250 TRAGICALL TALES. 

He loft the vfe of both his eyes, 
And of his fpeech befide: 
And fo at length in fodaine fort 
This louing weauer dide. 

Which when Symona had beheld, 
She watred ftraight her eyes, 
And (out alaffe) to Stramba and 
Lagina lowde (he cries. 

The louers left the deep difcourfe, 
And to the place they runne, 
Where as fo late this chaunce befell, 
And deadly deed was done. 

Ariuing there, and finding dead 
The weauer in the grade, 
And more than this, perceiuing how 
His body fwollen was: 

And feeing all his face befpangde 
With fpots as black as cole, 
And that in all the body was 
Not any member whole: 

Then Stramba cried out aloud e, 
Oh vile vnthriftie wench, 
What haft thou done? why haft thou giuen 
Thy friend a poyfoned drench? 

What meanft thou by this deed of thine? 
Which words were fpoke fo hie, 
That all the neighbours heard the fame 
That were the dwellers by. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 251 

And in they preffed all in haft, 
Into the garden, where 
The fhowte was made, and being come 
They found the body there 

Both void of life, and fouly fwolne, 
An vgly fight to fee. 
And finding Stramba fhedding teares, 
And blaming her to be 

The only caufe of Pafquines death : 
The wench vnable eke 
For verie griefe of heart, a worde 
In her defence to fpeake: 

Though fliee in deed were not the caufe, 
Yet they that came to view, 
Did apprehend the girle, and thought 
That Strambas wordes were true. 

When thus the wench arefted was, 
She wrong and wept a pace : 
And fo from thence, was brought before 
The common Judge his face, 

Vnto the pallace where hee dwelt. 
The maidens accufers were 
Exceeding earneft in the cafe, 
Both Stramba that was there 

With Pafquine as his faithfull friend, 
And other moe befide, 
That came into the garden, when 
The faithfull virgin cride. 

2 i 



252 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And hereupon the Juftice fell 
To queftion of the fa6l, 
Debating with the witneffes, 
Who hauing throughlie rackt 

The matter, and not finding her 
As giltie of the deede, 
Nor any proofe of malice that 
Might from the maide proceede, 

As touching murther of the man : 
Hee thought it good to flay 
His iudgement, and himfelfe to goe 
Where dead the carkaffe lay, 

To view the partie, and the place, 
To beate the matter out: 
For all the other euidence 
Might not remoue the doubt 

Within his head the ludge conceivde 
In this fo ftrange a cafe. 
The men that knew the garden, brought 
The Juftice to the place 

Where Pafquines carkaffe puffed lay, 
And ftrouting in fuch wife 
As made the Judge himfelfe amazde, 
Hee could not well deuife 

How fuch a mifchiefe might bee done. 
Which made him aike the maide 
Symona, how the murther hapt. 
To whom the virgin faid, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 253 

Renowmed Juftice, after talke 
Betwixt this man and me, 
Hee flept afide vnto the bed 
Of Sage that here you fee: 

And with a leafe thereof he rubd 
His gummes: as I do nowe, 
(And therewithall fhee tooke a leafe 
To fhew the Juftice how 

Her friend had done) and this (quoth fhe) 
He did, and died than. 
Whereat this Stramba, and the reft 
That records were, began 

To fcome and laugh in prefence of 
The Iudge, and earneftly 
Made fute that fire might bee fet, 
Wherein the wench to frie, 

To feele the penance of her fact, 
Which like a wicked wretch 
She had deuifde: fhee earned death 
That would her friend difpatch. 

The virgin wofull for the death 
Of him that latelie died, 
And fearefull at the earneft fute 
Which Stramba made befide: 

Thus hauing rubd her tender iawes 
With Sage before them all, 
Without fufpeet of fuch mifhap, 
Bereft of life, did fall 



254 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Vnto the ground, where Pafquine lay, 
And in like fort did fwell, 
From louely lookes to loathfome limmes, 
A raonftrous chaunce to tell. 

And thus to fhew the meane, how earft 
Her louer loft his breath, 
This fillie giltleffe wench her felfe 
Euen there did die the death. 

O happy foules, whofe hap it was 
In one felfe day to loue 
So faithfully, and in felfe day 
The pangs of death to proue. 

And happier had you both ybin 
If you had had the grace, 
Some other where to fpent the time, 
And not within that place. 

But farre more bleffed are yee no we, 
If in this death of yours, 
You loue ech other as in life, 
Your likings did endure. 

But (thou Symona) happieft art, 
For ending fo thy dayes: 
If we that hue may iudge aright, 
And yeeld the' dead their praife. 

Whofe innocent and giltleffe ghoft 
Dame Fortune did denie, 
By Strambas falfe furmifed proofs, 
Without iuft caufe to die. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 255 

I count thee treble blefl of God, 
For Fortune found (I fay) 
A meane for thee by felfe fame death, 
That rid thy friende away, 

To fet thee free from mifreports, 
And flaunder that did growe, 
And gaue thee leaue by loffe of life, 
Vnto thy loue to goe. 

The Iudge that faw this fodain chance, 
And all others eke 
That prefent were, amazed flood, 
And wift not what to fpeake 

Or to conieclure in the cace, 
The wifeft tongues were domme. 
At laft, the Iudge as foone as hee 
Was to his fenfes comme, 

Thus faid : By this it doth appeare 
The Sage that here you fee, . 
Infected is, and venim ftrong: 
Though Sage by nature be 

A very foueraigne holefome hearbe, 
The proofe hath made it plaine. 
But for becaufe we will be fure 
It fliall not hurt againe, 

Do delue it vp, and burne it here, 
It may offend no more. 
The Gardner therewithall was come, 
Who digd it vp before 



256 TRAGICALL TALES. 



The Iudge and all the ftanders by: 
He had not parde the ground 
Farre in, but that the caufe of both 
Thofe louers banes he founde. 

For vnderneath this bed of Sage 
The fellow that did dig, 
Turncle vp a Toade, a loathfome fight, 
A worme exceeding big. 

The toade was of a monftrous growth : 
Then euery man could tell 
And iudge the caufe of that mifhap 
Which both thofe friends befell. 

Then could they fay, the venomd worme 
Had bealchd his poyfon out, 
And fo infected both the roote, 
And all the bed about, 

Where grewe the Sage, that bred their Deaths : 
Then fawe they playne the caufe 
And reafon why the weauer dyde, 
By rubbing of his iawes. 

They made no more adoe, but forft 
The gardner by and by 
To make a fyre to burne the Sage, 
And eke the Toade to frie 

That was the caufe of double fpoyle. 
The Iudge had nought to fay 
When this was done, but parted home, 
The people went their way. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

Straight Stramba, and his other mates 
That gaue in euidence 
Againft Symona, brought a Beare, 
And bare the bodies thence, 

So vgly fwollen as they lay, 
Vnto Saint Paules, and there 
Within one Tombe did burie both, 
For of that Church they were. 



257 



f^ Utnnop* 




S noble inindes to loue are kindly bent, 

And haughty harts to fancie homage yeelde, 
As Cupid makes the stoutest states relent, 
And martiall men that daunt the foe in fielde: 
So meanest mates are masht within the net, 
That wily loue, to trappe his trayne hath set. 



What Prince so prowde, what king for al his crown: 
What sage so sadde, or solemne in his sawes, 
What wight so wise, but Cupid brings him downe, 
And makes him stoupe to nature and her lawes? 
Both poore and rich doe loue by course of kinde, 
The proofe whereof in all degrees we finde. 



258 TRAGICALL TALES. 

That Hector sterne that stroue to mayntayne Troy, 
And slewe with sword full many a Greekish knight, 
For all the warres, yet loude Andromache, 
With her he slept, in her he tooke delight : 
His manly brest that force of foe withstoode, 
Was razde by loue, his Curage did no good. 

Vlisses slie, for all his wilie wit, 
Was lodgde in loue, by Cyrces sugred cuppe, 
Plato deuine, whose stile the Starres dyd hit, 
With learned lips of Venus sauce did suppe: 
His graue precepts stoode him in slender sted, 
Whome lawe of kinde, in lincke of fancie led. 

Fell Dionyse with Alexander great, 
Duke Jason, Paris, Pirrhus, Pompey eake, 
And he whome Dydo did so well entreate, 
That to the curteous Queene his vowe did breake : 
Yea loue him selfe, Apollo, Mars and all, 
To Venus bowde, each one was Cupids thrall. 

The noblest Nimphes that euer were aliue, 
The queyntest queenes the force of fancie felt, 
The dayntiest dames durst not with loue to strive, 
The haughtiest harts, had Cupid made to melte : 
Medea, Phillis, Helen, Pliedra fierce, 
Creusa, Oeuou, Lucrece loue did pierce. 

Laodamie, Hermyon, Hypsiphill, 
Curst Clitemnestra, Brisies, Deyanire, 
Semyramis, and Progne prone to kill, 
With Mirrha Biblis lust to loue did stirre: 



TRAGICALL TALES. 259 

And thousands moe, of whome the Poetes tell, 
Prouokt by loue, to flaming fancy fell. 

Which sith is so, I may with better face 
A pardon craue of you that Ladies be, 
For bringing here a homely wench in place, 
And ranking her with dames of gallant glee : 
Who sith did rage in fancie as the rest, 
Why should she not be plast among the best ? 

Put case her byrth was base, her image lowe, 
Her paryents poore, her liuelod bare and thin, 
Sith Cupid did his golden shaft bestowe 
Vpon her brest, when liking entred in, 
Let her receiue the guerdon that is dewe 
To faithfull loue, and march with Cupids crewe. 

Where leaue is lowed for each one to contend, 
Where markes are made the cunningst hand to trie, 
Without reproofe each one his bowe doth bend, 
And arrowes there without controlement flie : 
Likewise sith loue at rendon roues his dartes, 
We ought not scorne the meanest louing hartes, 

When Cresus brings his gorgeous giftes in hand, 
And slay an oxe to offer to the goddes, 
A groome with gote by him may boldly stand, 
In holy Church they little count of oddes : 
The minde is all that makes or marres the thing : 
A Carter loues as whotly as a King. 



2 K 



260 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



The Argument to the tenth 

Hyftorie. 




MERCHANTS sonne that Girolamus hight, 
Of tender age, in great good liking fell 
With one Saluestra, a damsell faire and bright, 
A taylers daughter, who there by did dwell : 
The aged father did, and left the boy 
Abounding welth, his heyre and only ioy. 
The carefull mother doubting least her sonne 



Wold make his choice, and marie with this maide, 
Dispatcht him thence to Paris, there to wonne, 
Vntill his heate and humor were delaide. 
To please his friends away this yonker rode, 
And there a space (vnwilling) made abode. 
Retires in fine to Florence backe againe, 
When mothers feare and doubts were layde aside, 
His auncient loue aye sticking in his brayne: 
But ere he came, the wench was woxe a bryde, 
Which greude him sore, he wist not how to deale, 
At last deuisde into her house to steale. 

Where being plast, vnwist of any wight, 
He stayde his time, till husband fel on sleepe, 
Then out he gate, defenst with darke of night, 
And softly to Saluestras bed did creepe: 
He sighde, he sued, he pleaded there for life, 
In hope to had his pleasure of the wife. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 



261 



But al for nought, his winde did shake no corne, 
The womans will was bent another way: 
Which when he found, as one that was forlorne, 
He wist not how to do, nor what to say : 
His griefe was such, as by Saluestras side 
He laide him downe, and there for sorow dyde. 

The husband wakes, the wife bewrayes the case, 
The corse was streight conueyde away by night, 
When morow came, the beare was brought in place, 
The graue was cast, the body lay in sight, 
The mother niournd, and many matrons moe, 
Bewayl the chaunce of him that died so. 

Among the rest that present were to viewe 
This heauie hap, Saluestra stoode as than, 
She sawe her friend, whom she vnkindly slewe, 
And therewithal! to rewe his death began : 
So deepely sanke remorse into this dame, 
As downe she fell, and dyde vpon the same. 




S auncient men report, there dwelt 
A Merchant man of yore 
In Florence, who by traficke had 
Increaft his ltocke to more 

Than any of his race had done, 
A very wealthy wight : 



Who on his wife begate a fonne 
That (Girolamus) hight. 



262 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And after time the babe was borne, 
The father chaunit to die, 
But (as it hapt) he made his will 
Before, and orderly 

Difpofde his goods, as men are wont ; 
The carefull mother then, 
A widow left, with good aduife 
And ayde of learned men. 

The tutors of this merchants fonne, 
Both vfde the infant well, 
And gaue fuch eye vnto his ftocke 
As nought to damage fell. 

This childe (as common order is) 
Did vfe to fport and play 
Among the other neighbors babes, 
To driue the time away. 

And (as the childrens cultome is, 
Some one among the reft 
To fancy moll,) euen fo this boy 
Did like a mayden beft, 

A Taylers daughter dwelling by: 
They daily vfde to meete 
With fundrie other babees moe 
Amid the open ftreete. 

This liking in their tender yeeres 
Shot vp and grew to more, 
Euen as their limms encreaft by age, 
The fparke which loue before 



TRAGICALL TALES. 263 

Had kindled in her wanton breft, 
Did growe to greater fire, 
And Girolamus in his heart 
The mayden did defire. 

Their daily cuftome came to kinde, 
And looke what day that he 
Had paft without the fight of her, 
He thought it loft to be. 

And that which fet the flaxe on fire, 
And bred the hoter flame, 
Was, that the boy did well perceiue 
The mayden ment the fame, 

And likte afwell of him againe. 
The mother, when fhe fawe 
This matter worke, began to checke, 
And keepe the wagge in awe, 

And whipt him now and then among: 
But when fhe did perceiue 
The ftubborne {tripling fet her light, 
And that he would not leaue 

Thofe wanton trickes, vnfit for youth, 
She woxe a wofull dame : 
And to the tutors of her fonne 
This penfiue widowe came, 

(As one that of that crabtree thorne 
An Orenge tree would fayne 
Haue made, becaufe his ftocke was great, 
But all her toyle was vaine.) 



264 TRAGICALL TALES. 

And to the fages thus the faid : 
Vngracious graffe my fonne, 
Scarce fourteene yeeres of age as yet, 
Already hath begonne, 

And entred in the fnare of loue : 
The wagge begins to frie 
With one Salueftras liking lull, 
A taylours daughter by. 

So that vnleffe we wifely deale, 
And warily feeme to watch, 
At length (perhaps) this foolifh elfe 
Will with the mayden match, 

And make a rafh contract with her : 
Which if mould happen fo, 
From that time foorth, I mould not hue 
A merrie day I knowe. 

Or if he fhould confume and waft 
With thought, or pine away, 
To fee her matcht fome other where, 
Then woe were me I fay. 

Wherefore to voyde this prefent ill, 
I thinke it befl (quoth fhee) 
That you conuey him hence in haft, 
If you be ruld by me. 

Caufe him to trauaile in affayres 
Concerning Merchants trade: 
For that perhaps by abfence from 
The maide, he may be made 



TRAGICALL TALES. 265 

To quite forget his wanton loue, 
And put her out of minde, 
And make fome other better choyce. 
Abroade the boy fhall finde 

A wench that is defcended well, 
To linke himfelfe withall : 
No doubt, I fee him fullie bent 
By loue to hazard all. 

The Tutors liked well the tale 
The mother widow told, 
And made her promife prefently 
To doe the beft they could, 

By counfell and by good aduife, 
And thereupon they fent 
A meffenger vnto the ympe, 
That to the warehoufe went, 

And wild the boy to come away : 
Who, being come in place, 
The one began to fpeake him thus 
With milde and friendlie face: 

My fonne, fith you are paft a childe, 
I would your wit allow, 
If you would fomewhat looke about 
Vnto your profite now, 

And fee your felfe where all goe right 
That doth concerne your gaine : 
We, that your tutors are, agree, 
(If you will take that paine) 



266 TRAGICALL TALES. 

That you to Paris trauaile, ther 
To ftay a certaine fpace: 
For there, your father, whilft he liude, 
In banke your wealth did place, 

Euen there your chiefeft traffieke lyes: 
And eke betides the fame, 
You mail your felfe to manners good 
And better fafhion frame: 

By lodging in fo trim a towne 
Where lultie gallants be, 
There fhall you flore of Gentlemen, 
And braueft Barons fee. 

And hauing learned their good grace, 
And markt their vfage well, 
You may returne you home againe, 
Among your friends to dwell. 

The boy did note his tutors tale, 
That did perfwade him fo, 
And brieflie made anfwere, that 
He did not minde to o-oe 

To Paris, for he thought he mought 
Afwell in Florence ftay 
As any one, what neede he then 
To trauaile thence away. 

The fages being anfwerde thus, 
Vnto the widdow went, 
And tolde the mother how her fonne, 
The wilfull wag, was bent. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 267 

The matrone, mad to heare the newes, 
Spake not a word at all 
Of Paris matters, but foorthwith 
Vnto his loue did fall : 

Controuling him for royfling rule, 
And for his baudie life : 
And did not let to tell him, how 
He meant to take a wife. 

But, as the mothers manner is, 
For euery bitter checke, 
Shee gaue her fonne a honie fop, 
And hung about his necke: 

And flattred him againe as faft, 
And did the boy entice 
By all the friendly meanes die might 
To follow their aduife: 

The mother widow preached had 
Vnto her fonne fo long, 
Of this and that, and in his eare 
Had fung fo fweete a fong: 

As for a yeere to trauell well, 
The boy perfwaded was, 
To flay in Fraunce, and fo his time 
In forraine Realme to paffe. 

I leaue the taking of his horfe, 
I write not of his woe: 
I paffe of purpofe all his plaints 
His countrie to forgoe. 

2 L 



'268 TRAGICALL TALES. 

I doe omit his bitter teares 
At time of his remoue, 
For thofe to deeme, that haue affaide 
The pangs of penfiue loue. 

I write not of the mothers griefe, 
To bid her forme farewell, 
For that herfelfe was pleafde withall 
And likt his voyage well. 

To Paris when this gallant came, 
Loue gaue the charge anew 
Vpon his heart, the fight was fierce, 
A greater fancie grew 

Within his bofome, than before : 
The abfence from her face 
Might not delay the hote deiire 
That had this youth in chace, 

And thus, the boy, that meant at firit 
But for a yeere to flay, 
Full two yeeres out, in burning loue 
In Fraunce at Paris lay. 

Which time expyrde, inwrapped more 
In flakes of fancies flame, 
Than when he went from Italy, 
He backe to Florence came, 

And being there arrivde, he heard 
His auncient friend was fped : 
A certaine Curten maker hapt 
This wench meane while to wed. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 269 

Whereat he greatly greeued was, 
And vexed out of crie : 
But feeing that there was no choice, 
Nor other rueanes to trie, 

He purpofde with himfelfe a truce 
His forowes to expell. 
But at the length he had efpide 
Where did this damfell dwell, 

And found her {landing at her dore : 
Then grew this youth in heate, 
And as enamored wights are wont, 
He gan the ftreetes to beate, 

Both vp and downe, both to and fro, 
He vfed oft to ftalke 
Before the Curten makers houfe, 
In hope by often walke 

That die would pitie of his paines, 
And eke his torment rue, 
He verily prefumde that fhee 
Her Girolamus knewe. 

But fortune fell not out aright, 
Shee knew the man no more, 
Than one whom earft fhe neuer fawe 
In all her life before. 

Or if fhee did remember him, 
At leafl fhee made in wife 
She wifl not who the Marchant was, 
So coy flie kefl her eyes 



270 TRAGICALL TALES. 

On Girolamus palling by. 
Yet he would neuer leaue 
His wonted walke, in hope at laft 
Some fauour to receaue : 

Deuifing all the meanes he might 
To bring the wife againe 
In minde of him, who was her loue, 
Her flrangeneffe bred his paine. 

It greeude the Marchant to the guts 
That he was fo forgote : 
In fine he purpofde with himfelf 
(His feuer was fo hote) 

To fpeake with her, although it colt 
The loofing of his life : 
And heervpon, inftrucled by 
The neighbours, where the wife 

Whom he entirely loude did dwell, 
Hee watcht his feafon fo, 
That when the hufband and the fpoufe, 
With other neighbours mo, 

Were walkt abroade to keep the watch, 
He ililie did conuey 
Himfelfe into Saluellras houfe : 
And being there, he lay 

Behinde the curtaines, nie the bed, 
Vnfpide of any man. 
The Curtain maker and his wife 
Returned home, began 



TRAGICALL TALES. 271 

To take their reft in wonted wife. 
The man was found a fleepe 
As foone as he was laid in couche : 
Then gan this youth to creepe, 

Vpon his knees, vnto the fide 
Whereas Salueftra lay, 
And hauing foftly plaft his handes 
Vpon her pappes, gan fay: 

What are you (fweeting) yet a fleepe ? 
With that the wife difmaide, 
Would haue exclaimde, (as women wont 
In fuch like fort afraide) 

Saue that the Marchant prefently 
Her friendly thus befpake : 
Alas, my Deere, exclaime not now, 
You need no thought to take, 

For I am Girolamus, he 
That tender your eftate. 
She hearing that, faid, all afraid, 
What make you here fo late? 

Good Girolamus get you hence, 
Thofe youthfull yeares are fpent 
Wherein it was our hap to loue, 
That time good faith I ment : 

Then lawfull was the thing we did. 
But now you fee that I 
Am otherwife beftowde and matcht, 
I muft not now apply 



272 TRAGICALL TALES. 

My liking, but to him alone. 
Wherefore, I pray, quoth fliee, 
For loue of God depart this place, 
Your purpofe may not bee. 

For if my hufband wifl you heere, 
(Put cafe none other ill 
Enfude thereof) yet this be fure, 
I mould haue chiding ftill : 

Your being here would breede debate, 
And purchafe deadly ftrife, 
Whereas with him, as now I leade 
A iollie quiet life, 

I am his darling well belovde. 
When Girolamus had 
Both heard, and noted all her talke, 
Hee woxe exceeding fad. 

His heart was pierft with penfiue woe 
To heare the tale fhee tolde, 
Then gan hee wrie his former loue, 
And all his flame vnfolde. 

Declaring her, that diftance had 
Not flackte his burning fire: 
And made requeft withall, that fhe 
Should graunt him his defire. 

He promifde golden mountaynes then, 
But all his fute was vayne : 
No iote of friendfhip for his life, 
The merchant mought attaine. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 273 

Wherefore defirous then to die, 
Salueftra he befought, 
That in rewarde of all his loue, 
And all his former thought 

Which he had fuffered for her fake, 
She would but yelde him grace 
To warme himfelfe within her bed, 
Faft by her fide a fpace : 

Whofe flefh in maner frozen was, 
With flaying there fo long, 
He made her promife on his faitli 
He would not offer wrong 

Vnto Salueftra, no not once 
Let fall a worde fo mutch, 
Nor yet her naked carkaffe with 
His manly members tutche : 

But hauing taken there a heate, 
And warmde himfelfe in bed, 
He would depart, and deeme that he 
Sufficiently had fped. 

Salueftra taking pitie then 
Of Gyrolamus cafe, 
Vpon the promife made before 
Did yelde him fo much grace, 

As on her bed to flretch him felfe. 
The youth thus being laid 
Befides his miftres, toucht her not, 
But with him felfe he waid 



'274 TRAGICALL TALES. 

The great good wil that he fo long 
Within his breft had borne: 
Vpon her prefent rigor eke 
He thought, and fhamefnll fcorne. 

And being brought to deep defpaire, 
He purpofde not to Hue, 
But die the death without delay, 
And vp the ghofl to geue. 

And hereupon his fprites withdrew 
Themfelues from outward parts, 
His fenfes fled, he ftretcht him felfe, 
And fo the youth departs 

Fait by Salueftras fauage fide 
To whom he fude for grace : 
When Girolam thus dead had line 
Vpon her bed a fpace, 

The wench did wonder very much 
That he was woxe fo chafte, 
Whofe flame of late fo burning was 
And fanfie fride fo faff. 

At length in feare her hufband would 
Awake, fhe gan to fay, 
Oh Gyrolamus how be this? 
When wil you packe away? 

But hearing him no anfwere make, 
She thought him found afleepe, 
Which made her reach her hand, to wake 
The man that flept fo deepe. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 275 

She felt and found him colde as vce, 
Whereof fhee marueld much : 
And therupon with greater force 
She gan his limmes to touch, 

And thrufl him, but he flirred not : 
With that within her head 
The wife conceaued and wift ful wel 
That Girolam was dead. 

Whereof fhe was the forieft wench, 
That euer liued by breath : 
She knew not what to doe to fee 
So ftrange and fodaine death. 

But yet at laft fhe did deuife 
To feele her hufbands thought 
In perfon of another, not 
As though her felfe had wrought 

Or been a party in the fact. 
Put cafe, good fir, (quoth fhe,) 
A yonker loued a maried wife 
As I my felfe mought be: 

And comming to her chamber late, 
In hope to winne the wife, 
Were both begilde of all his hopt, 
And eke berefte of life, 

By only force of franticke loue 
And lacke of his defire, 
And want of pities water, to 
Delay his fcalding fire. 

2 M 



270 TRAGICALL TALES. 

What would you doe in fuch a pinche? 
How would you deale as than ? 
Whereto the hufband anfwered, that 
He would conuay the man 

Vnto his home, without miftruft 
Or malice to the dame 
His wife, that had refilled fo 
The force of Cupides flame. 

Which when fhe herd, flie anfwered thus: 
Then (hufband) doth it lye 
Vpon vs nowe to praclife that, 
And eake that tricke to trye. 

And taking of his hand, the put 
It on the coarfe that laye 
Vpon the other fide of her, 
As colde as any kaye. 

Whereat the wilfull wight difmayde, 
And ierft with fodaine feare, 
Lepte of the bed full fore amazde, 
To feele a body there. 

And oute he ran to light a linke, 
Without debating more 
Of further matter with his wife, 
Of what they fpake before. 

The candle light bewrayed the corfe, 
He fawe the partie playne, 
He made no more adoe, but put 
Him in his robes agayne, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

And bore him on his ihoulders thence : 
And knowing verie well 
His lodging, fet him at the doore, 
Where did his mother dwell : 

When day was come, and people fawe 
The carkafTe of the dead 
Before the gate, the fame thereof 
Throughout the citie fpread. 

Each one did wonder at the chaunce, 
That paffed by the way, 
They knewe the partie palling well, 
But will not what to fay. 

Yet mod of all, the mother mufde, 
And vexed was in minde, 
That hauing fearchte the body, coulde 
No wounded member finde. 

Which made Phifitions flatly fay, 
That forowe ftopte his breath: 
With one affent they all agreede, 
That griefe did caufe his death. 

As cuftome is, the corfe was borne 
Into a temple by, 
Where merchant men of his eftate 
And welthie wights did lie. 

The mourning mother thether came 
To waile her fonnes deceafe, 
And with the matrone thoufands moe 
Of neighbors more and leffe 



278 TRAGICALL TALES. 



Were come to church to fhed their teares. 
Salueftras hufband then 
Perceiuing that the preace was great 
Of women and of men, 

Ran home and wilde his wife do on 
A kerchiefe on her head: 
And throng amid the wiues to heare 
What newes went of the dead. 

And he him felfe thrufl in among 
The men, to learne what they 
Imaginde of the marchants death, 
Where any one did fay 

Or had him to fufpedl thereof. 
Salueftra hereupon 

Made haft to church, and felt remorfe 
Within her breft anone. 

But all to late her pitie came, 
For me defired to vew 
Him being dead, whom earft aliue 
She tooke difdaine to rewe, 

Or recompence fo much as with 
A kiffe. O wenche vnkind, 
A maruels thing, to thinke how hard 
It is for man to finde 

Or founde the depth of louers thoughts, 
Or knowe the force of lone : 
For loe hir breft, whom Gyrolams 
Good fortune might not moue, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 279 

Nor during life procure to ruth. 
His deatli did raze hir harte, 
His raifaduentures did renewe 
The ftroke of Cupides darte. 

Hir auncient flame rekindled was, 
And to fuch pitie grewe, 
When as flie did the carcafl'e dead 
Of Gyrolamus vewe, 

That being but. in fimple weede, 
As meaneft women were, 
By one and one fhe gate before 
The richeft matrons there, 

Not ftintyng till fhe came vnto 
The body where it lay, 
And being there fhe gaue a fhoute, 
And yelded forth a bray, 

So loude as for hir life fhe could, 
And groueling with hir face, 
On Girolamus carcaffe fell, 
His bodie to imbrace. 

And bathde his limmes with brackifh teares, 
That iffued from her eyes 
As long as life would giue her leaue: 
Which done Salueftra dyes. 

And looke how griefe and hidden thought. 
Had flayne her defperate friend, 
Euen fo remorfe of couerte cares, 
Her loathed life did ende. 



280 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Which when the mourning matrons faw, 
Eche one in friendlieft wife, 
To comfort her in words began, 
And willd her thence to rife, 

As then not witting who the was: 
But at the laft, when that 
She would not mount, but lay me flill 
Vpon the body flat, 

They came to lift her on her legges, 
And rayfe her from the grounde, 
And then, both that the wife was dead, 
And who the was they founde. 

Salueftra then (lie did appeare, 
Then dubble woxe the woe 
Of all the wiues that mourners were, 
When they the dame did knowe. 

Then gan they mourne as faft againe 
As ere they did before, 
For euery fighe, a hundred fobbes, 
For euery teare a fcore. 

This brute no fooner out of Church 
Among the people came, 
But out of hand her hufband hearde 
The tidings of the fame : 

Who (as I faid) was gone among 
The men to lend an eare, 
And hearken what report there went 
Of them that died there. 



TRAGICALL TALES. 281 

Then like a louing hufband, that 
Imbrafl Salueflra well, 
From fobbing fighes, to trickling teares, 
For her raiffortune fell. 

And waild her death no little time, 
And after that, to fome 
That were in place, declard, by night 
How Gyrolam did come 

Vnto his houfe, through burning loue 
Which he Salueflra bore, 
And tolde the tale from point to point, 
As I haue pend before. 

Whereat the audience wofull woxe, 
That vnderilood the cafe, 
Then taking vp the carkaffe of 
The wife that lay in place, 

And hauing knit the flirouding fheete, 
As common cuftome is, 
They layd her body on the beare, 
And fet her fide to his. 

Thus hauing wept vpon the dead 
In proofe of inward paine, 
And buried both together, home 
The people went againe. 

See lucke, whom loue was not of force, 
Alkie to linke in one: 

Death found the meanes to couple clofe, 
Within a marble Jlone. 



282 



TRAGICALL TALES. 




HETHER stars doe stir good liking from aboue, 
By hidden force and eouert power deuyne 
Or chaunce breede ehoyce and leades vs on to loue 
And fancy falles as fortune list assigne, 
I cannot iudge nor perfectly defyne 
But this I know, once let it gather roote 
And to reraoue it then is slender boote. 



Let sicknes grow, let cankers worke theyr wyl 
Seeke not at first their malyce to suppresse 
Scorne wholsome helpe, doe floute at physikes skil 
In hope thy greefe wyl swage and waxen lesse 
And thou at last shalt neuer haue redresse 
Diseases more admitte no cunning cure 
The cause by tyme is fastned on to sure. 

When fire is once crept yn among the straw 
And flame hath raught the rotten roofe on hye 
Tis hardly quencht hys fury hath no law 
It seldome slakes tyl all on ground do ly 
The way to help is busily to ply 
The matter fyrst before it grow too far 
When steedes are stolne t}'S booties doores to barre, 



Euen so it fares when fancy blowes the cole 
Of friendship fyrst and sets abroach good will 



TRAGICALL TALES. 

A man may yrnpes with ease from loue controle 
Whilst feare doth force them stoupe to parents wyl 
But let them run their race at ryot styl 
And not rebukte by reason at the fyrst 
Along they go let parents doe their worst. 

Too late come salues to cure confirmed sores 
When loue is linkt and choyce is chayned fast 
You may as soone plucke trees vp by the rootes 
As breake the knot or sunder promise past 
The tackle hangs so sure vnto the Mast 
When shyps from shore haue hoyste vp all their sailes, 
To bend about againe it little vailes. 

So statelie is the stroke of Cupids bow, 
So fell his force, so huge his heauie hand, 
No striuyng serues, no shift to shun the blow, 
No might nor meane his Godhead to withstand. 
Who fastest runnes sinks deapest in the sands: 
Wherefore I wish that parents giue consent, 
And not repine when mindes to match are bent. 

For barre the sick whom Feuer doth molest, 
To drinke his fill, his thirst will be the more : 
Restraine thy Jenates course, thy bridle wrest, 
The beast beeommes farre fiercer than before. 
Where streames be stopt, there riuers most doe rore, 
Downe goe the banks, and ouer flowes the flood, 
Where swellyng waters feele themselues withstood. 

No trauayle serues to sunder louing heartes, 
No absence breedes in friendes forgetfull mindes, 

2n 



984 TRAGICALL TALES. 

The farther of that ech from other parts, 

The hotter ech his flaming fancie findes. 

Who striues to stop, doth most enrage the wynds: 

No louer true, but beares within hys brest, 

The shape of her whom he doth fancie best. 

As thunder showres, whom weather calmes againe, 
Gyue greater drought and helpes along the string, 
By meanes of heate mixt with the blooming raine : 
So safe returne of absent friends, doth bring 
Increase of loue and faster streames the spryng : 
Respect of birth, of state, or ought beside, 
Stops not the boat that driues with such a tide. 

A folly then for parents to restraine, 
For lucres sake their children, sith we see 
That both theyr care and labour is in vaine, 
And sundrie times a thousand illes there bee 
That doe ensue, when they will not agree : 
As in this tale the Florentine doth showe 
The great mishaps by such restraint that grow. 

Could mothers threates, or tutors taunts reuoke 
This Marchants minde, or make him alter loue, 
Could Parris pleasure once this youth prouoke, 
His auncient friend from fancie to remoue ? 
Yea, though it were a thing for his behoue, 
No, backe he came the selfe same man he went, 
He chaungde the ayre, but not his first entent. 

And loue, to helpe him onward on his race, 
Assisted with deuise and subtile sleight, 



TRAGICALL TALES. 285 

Eke Uenus taught him how to come in place, 
And shrowded him in cloudie cloke of night, 
Whereby he might approch to his delight, 
But all for nought. The game that he pursudc 
Was caught before, and thence his bane ensude. 

So Pyramus in Babylon of yore, 
Faire Thisbe loued, but parents disagreed, 
They might not match, but prisoned were therefore : 
Yet loue at length this faithfull couple freed, 
The time was set, the place and all decreed, 
When foule mishap bereft them both of life, 
Who slue themselues with one vnluckie knife. 

Had pitie lodge within Saluestras brest, 
Would she haue forst so true a man to die, 
Who chargde with loue and thousand woes distrest, 
Did hazard life to presss in place so nie, 
Vnto a dame that with her spouse dyd lie? 
O blooddie Beare, nay rather Tygers whelp, 
That would refuse her auncient friend to helpe. 

O marble mynde O stayne of womans stocke 
Not fed with milke of kindly nurses pappe 
But hewed with toole out of some ruthles rocke 
And layd withyn some Lionesses lap 
Couldst thou alow thy frend so hard a hap 
As by thy syde amid his sute to see 
Him die the death and all for loue of thee? 

Draw hether dames and read this bloody fact 
Note wel the fruite of frowardnes in loue 



280 TRAGICALL TALES. 

Peruse the plague of her that pyty lackt 
See how in that she pleasd the gods aboue 
Example take your rygor to remoue 
And you that are Cupydos knyghts take heede 
Bestow no more good will than shalbe need. 

Renounce the loue of such as are forsped 

Forgoe those frends whom law forbids to lyke 

Courte no mans wyfe embrace no maryage bed 

Leaue of your luste by others harmes to seeke 

No such good wyl can last aboue a weeke 

Looke when you thynke your selues in cheefest pryce 

They set you by whylst others throw the dyce. 

When once regard of honor lyes asyde 
When credyt is respected nought at all 
Then shame ensues and followes after pride 
From vertue then to fylthy vice they fall 
And to allure they vse a pleasant call 
And beyng once entangled in the twyg 
To make you fat they feede you with a fyg. 

For one delight ten thousand yls ensues 
For lyttle glee much bytter gall you gayne, 
You may not hope to fynde those woomen true, 
Theyr husbands beds that doe not stick to stayne 
And make them serue for clokes agaynst the rayne 
Wherefore I say force not of any dame 
That for a trend forgoes an honest name. 



^EPITAPHES 

and Sonnettes 
annexed to the Tragical hi- 
stories, By the 
Author, 



?T ith some other broken pam- 

phlettes and Epistles, sent to certaine 

his frends in England, at his 

being in JMLoscouia. 

Anno 1569. 



Omnia probate. 
Quod bonum est tenete. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 






A farewell to a mother Cosin, 

at his going towardes 

Moscouia. 




^OE poll you penfiue lynes, 
and papers full of woe, 
Make hafte wnto my mothers handes, 

liir fonnes farewell to fhowe. 
Doe marke her lookes at firft, 
ere you your meffage tell, 
For feare your fodayne newes, hir minde 

doe fancie nothing well. 
But fithen needes you mult 

my trauailes trouth vnfolde, 
To offer vp her fonnes farewell, 

and lafl adewe, be bolde. 
I know fhe will accept 

your comming in good parte, 
Till time fhe vnderftand by you 

that I muft needes departe. 
But when you make reporte 

that I am fhipte from iliore, 
In minde to cut the foming Seas, 
where winter wyndes do rore : 



290 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Then woe be vnto you, 

that mourn efull meffage beare, 
For doubtleffe ihe with trembling handes 

will you in funder teare : 
But (mother) let your fonne 

perfwade you in this cafe, 
For no man fure is borne to leade 

his life in one felfe place. 
I mult no longer Hay, 

aduantage is but vile, 
The cruel lady Fortune on 

your fonne will neuer fmile. 
My countrey coail where I 

my Nurfes milke did fucke, 
Would neuer yet in all my life 

allowe me one good lucke. 
With coll encreafe my cares, 

expences nip me neeie, 
Loue waxeth cold, no frendfliip doth 

in natures breft appeere. 
Where ilender is the gaine, 

and charges grow too hie, 
Where lining lackes and money melts 

that mould the want fupply : 
From thence tis time to trudge 

and hire the hackney poll, 
To fhift the fhip, to leaue the land 

and feeke a better coaft. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 291 

Sith I haue all my yeres 

in ftudies fond applide, 
And euery way that might procure 

a better chaunce haue tride: 
Yet better not my ftate, 

but like a fotted dolt 
Confume my time that goes about 

to mend a broken bolt. 
Sith I haue livde fo long, 

and neuer am the neere, 
To bid my natiue foile farewel, 

I purpofe for a yeere. 
And more perhaps if neede 

and prefent caufe require : 
They fay the countrey is too colde, 

the whotter is the fire. 
Mofcouia is the place, 

where all good furres be fold, 
Then pray thee (mother) tel me how 

thy fonne mall dye with colde. 
Put cafe the fnow be thicke, 

and winter froftes be great : 
I doe not doubt but I ihal finde 

a ftoue to make me fweat. 
If I with credite goe, 

and may returne with gaine, 

I hope I fhalbe able wel 

to bide this trauayles paine. 

2 o 



292 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

The flouthfull Groome that fits 

at home and tels the clocke, 
And feares the floud becaufe therein 

lies hidden many a rocke, 
As hee abydes no woe, 

no welth he doth deferue: 
Let him that will not cut the loafe 

for lacke and famine fterue. 
The Catte deferues no fiih 

that feares her foote to weate, 
Tis time for me in profite now 

mine idle braynes to beate. 
I trufl I fliall returne 

farre better than I goe, 
Increafe of credite will procure 

my fimple wealth to growe : 
Meane while I wifhe thee well 

(good mother mine) to fare, 
And better than my felfe, who yet 

was neuer voyde of care. 
Sith neede obeyes no lawe, 

and needes I mull to barcke, 
Farewell, and thinke vpon thy fonne, 

but haue of him no carcke. 
The Gods I hope will heare 

the fute that you fliall make, 
And I amid the Sea fliall fare 

the better for your fake. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



293 



If euer fortune ferue, 

and bring me fafe to lande, 
The harde mifhappes of trauayle you 

by me fliall vnderftand, 
And whatfoeuer ftraunge 

or monftrous fight I fee, 
Afilire thy felfe at my returne 

I will declare it thee. 
Thus euery thing hath ende, 

and fo my letters fliall, 
Euen from the bottom of my breft, 

I doe falute you all. 
What fo becomes of me, 

the mightie Gods I craue, 
That you my frendes a bleffed life 

and happie deathes may haue. 



That nothing can cause him to forget 
his trend, wherein is toucht the 
hardnes of Ins tra- 
uayle. 

F boyltrous blafte of fierce and frovvard wynde, 
If weltring waues, and frothie foming Seas, 
If finning Sunne by night againft his kinde, 
If lacke of luft to meate, and want of eafe, 
If feare of vvracke, and force of rouing foe, 
If raged Rockes that in the riuers lie : 




294 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



If frozen fioodes where Hiding Sledds doe goe, 
If cruell colde vpon the mountaines hye, 
If feldom fleapes, if fundrie fortes of care, 
If barefkin beddes, or elfe a horded bench, 
If lacke of kindly cates and courtly fare, 
If want of holfom drinck the thirft to quench, 
If ftinking Stoues, if Cunas and bitter bragge, 
If fauage men, if women foule to fight, 
If riding poaft vpon a trotting Nagge, 
If homely yammes, in Head of Innes at night: 
If thefe (I fay) might make a man forget 
So true a frend, then thou art out of minde. 
But in good fayth, my fancie firme was fet, 
No Ruffle mought the true loue knot vnbinde. 
Venus be iudge, and Cupid in this cafe, 
Who did purfue me aye from place to place. 



He declares that albeit he were imprisoned in 

Russia, yet his minde was at libertie, & did 

daily rep aire to his frend. 

^OW finde I true that hath bene often told, 

(No man may reaue the freedome of the mind,) 
Though kepers charge in chaines the captiue hold, 
Yet can he not the Soule in bondage binde : 
That this is true, I finde the proofe in me, 
Who Captiue am, and yet at libertie. 




EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Though at my heele a cruell clogge they tye, 
And ranging out by rigor be reftraynde, 
Yet maugre might, my minde doth freely five 
Home to my frend, it will not be enchainde. 
No Churles checke, no Tyrants threat can day 
A Loners heart, that longs to be away. 

I doe delire no ayde of Dedalus, 
By feate to forge fuch waxen winges anew 
As erft he gaue his fonne young Icarus, 
When they from Crete for feare of Mynos flew, 
Dame Fancy hath fuch feathers Hill in ftore, 
For me to flie as I delire no more. 

II defer e non ha ripqfo. 



295 



A comparison of his inistresse, with 

a braue Lacly of 

Russia. 




AYRE is thy face, and louely are thy lookes, 
Rich be thy robes, and geafon to be had, 
White are thine eares, hangdefull of liluer hookes, 
Braue be thy bootes, thy body coflly clad, 
With Sable, Sube, thy necke befet with pearle, 
Thy brodred gyte makes thee a gallant gyrle. 



290 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



The Ruffles rude doe deeme right wel of thee, 
Mine Englifh eye no paynted image leekes, 
I haue a trend that wel contenteth me, 
With kindly ihape and kindly coloured cheekes, 
Such one the is, as I wil here declare, 
Fewe are her peeres, I finde her matches rare. 

Her heare is golden wyer, her fhineng eyes 
Two Dyamondes that glitter palling bright, 
Amids her lylye cheekes, the Rubie lyes, 
Her teeth of pearle, lippes louely red and white, 
All other limmes doe aunfwere well the fame, 
Now iudge of both which is the brauer dame, 

La mia donna 
bella 3 buona. 



To his frend promising that though 
her beautie fade, yet his 

lone shall last. 




WOTTE full well that bewtie cannot lafte, 
No rofe that fprings, but lightly doth decay, 
And feature like a lillie leafe doth wafle, 
Or as the Cowflip in the midft of May : 
1 know that tract of time doth conquer all, 
And beuties buddes like fading floures do fall. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



297 



That famous Dame, fayre Helen, loft her hewe 
When withred age with wrinckles chaungd her cheeks, 
Her lonely lookes did loathfomneffe enfewe, 
That was the A per fe of all the Greekes? 
And fundrie moe that were as fayre as fhee, 
Yet Helen was as frefhe as frefh might bee. 

No force for that, I price your beautie light, 
If fo I finde you ftedfaft in good will : 
Though fewe there are that doe in age delight, 
I was your friend, and fo doe purpofe ftill, 
No thange of lookes (hall breede my change of loue, 
Nor beauties want, my firft goodwill remoue. 
Per gentilezza, 

Tanto, 
Non per bettezza. 



From the citie of Mosqua, to his 
friend in England. 



\0 burning fighes, and pierce the frozen ikie, 
Slack you the fnow with flames of fancies fire 
Twixt Brutus land and Mofqua that doe lie : 
Goe fighes, I fay, and to the Phenix flie, 
Whome I imbrace, and chieflie doe defire. 
Report of me that I doe loue her beft, 
None other Saint doth harbour in my breft. 




298 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



Tell her that though the colde is wont by kinde 
To quench the cole, and flames do yeeld to froft, 
Yet may no winters force in Ruffia binde 
My heart fo heard, or alter fo my minde, 
But that I flill imbrace her beautie moll: 
I went her friend, and fo continue ftill, 
Froft cannot freat the ground of my goodwill. 

Ardo e ghiaccio. 



To his mistres, declaring his life only 
to depend of her lookes. 




HE Salamander cannot liue 

without the help of flaming fire : 

To bath his limmes in burning coales, 
it is his glee and chiefe deflre. 

The litle fifh doth loue the lake, 
dame Nature hath affigned him: 



To liue no longer then he doth 

amid the filuer channel fwimme. 
Chameleon feedes but on the ayre, 

the lacke whereof is his decay: 
Thefe three doe perifli out of hand, 

take fire, flouds, and ayre away. 
Iudge you (my deere) the danger then 

of very force that mult enfue, 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 299 

Vnto this careful heart of mine, 

that cannot liue withouten you. 
I am the fifh, you are the floode, 

my heart it is that hangs on hooke : 
I cannot liue if you doe ftoppe, 

the floudhatch of your frendly brooke. 
I filly Salamander die, 

if you maintaine not frendlhips fire : 
Quenche you the coale and you flial fee 

me pine for lack of my defire. 
You are the pleafant breathing ayre, 

and I your poore Chameleon, 
Barre me your breath and out of hand 

my life and fvveete delight is gone. 
Which fith tis fo (good miftrefle) then 

doe faue my life to feme your turne : 
Let me haue ayre and water ftil 

let me your Salamander burne. 
My death wil doe you litle good, 

my life perhaps may pleafure you : 
Rewe on my cafe, and pitie him 

that fweares himfelf your feruant true. 
I beare the badge within my bred, 

wherin are blazde your colours braue: 
Loue is the only liuery, that 

I at your curteous hand doe craue. 
I doe defire no greedy gaine, 

I couet not the maffye golde : 

2 P 



300 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



Embrace your feruant (miftres) then 

his wages wil be quickly tolde. 
As you are faire fo let me finde 

your bountie equall to your face : 
I cannot thinke that kinde fo neere 

to beauties bower would rigor place, 
Your comely hewe behight me hope, 

your louely lookes allow mee life. 
Your graue regard cloth make me deeme 

you fellow to Vliffes wife. 
Which if be true then happy I, 

that fo in loue my fancie fet: 
In you doth reft my life, my death, 

by flaying me no gaine you get. 
The noble minded Lion kils 

no yeelding beaft by crueltie, 
And worthie dames delight to faue 

their feruants hues by curtefie. 

Virtuti comes inuidia. 




Y Spencer, fpite is vertues deadly foe, 
The bell are euer fure to beare the blame, 
And enuie next to vertue ftill doth goe, 
But vertue fhines, when enuie fhrinkes for fhame. 

In common weales what beares a greater fway 



Than hidden hate that hoordes in haughtie breft ? 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 301 

In princes courtes it beares the bell away, 
With all eftates this enuie is a gueft. 

Be wife, thy wit will purchafe priuie hate, 
Be rich, with rents flocke in a thoufand foes, 
Be flout, thy courage will procure debate, 
Be faire, thy beautie not vnhated goes. 

Beare office thou, and with thy golden mace, 
Commes enuie in, and treades vpon thy traine, 
Yea, be a Prince, and hate will be in place, 
To bid him ftand aloofe it is in vaine. 

So that I fee, that Boccas wordes be true : 
For ech eftate is peffred with his foe, 
Saue miferie, whom hate doth not enfue, 
The bigger only doth vnfpited goe: 

Yet beggers bafe eftate is not the bed, 
Though enuie let the begger lie at reft. 

Sola miferia ejenza 
inuidia. 

Boccacio. 



302 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



That though he may not possible come 

or send, yet he Hues niindiull of his 

mistresse in Moscouia. 




HO fo hath read Leanders loue, 
which he to Ladie Hero bore, 
And how he fwamme through Aelles flood, 

twixt Abydon and Seftus fhore. 
To gaine his game, to liue at lull, 
to lay him in the Ladies lap, 
Will rue his paines, and fcarce exchange 

his cafe to haue Leanders hap : 
But happy I account his cafe, 

for hauing palt thofe narrow Seas, 
He was afiured to lodge aloft 

with Hero in the towre of eafe. 
He neuer went but did enioy 

his miftres, whom he did defire. 
He feldome fwamme the foming floud, 

but was allured to quench his fire. 
The torch it hung vpon the towre, 

the lamp gaue light to fhew the way : 
He could not mifle the darkefome night, 

it fhone as cleere as funny day. 
Thus happy was Leanders lot, 
but molt vnhappy mine eftate: 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 303 

For fwimming wil not ferue my turne 

to bring me to my louing mate. 
The flouds are frozen round about, 

the fnow is thick on euery fide: 
The raging Ocean runnes betwixt 

my frend and me with cruel tide. 
The hilles be ouerwhelmde with hoare, 

the countrey clad with mantels white, 
Each tree attirde with flakes of yce, 

is nothing els faue fnow in fight. 
The mighty Volgas {lately ftreame, 

in winter flipper as the glaffe, 
Abides no boate, how' fhould I then 

deuife a meane a way to paffe? 
And Suchan, that in fummer time, 

was eafie to be ouergone: 
With Boreas blaft is bound as harde, 

as any flint or marble flone. 
Free paffage Dwina doth deny, 

whofe ftreame is ftopt and choakt with fnow, 
There is no way for any barge, 

much leffe for any man to goe : 
I cannot for my life repaire 

to thee, to eafe my prefent paine : 
There is no paffage to be had, 

til fummer flake the fnow againe. 
Meane while yet maift thou make accompt 

that I doe ftil remember thee, 



304 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

In Ruffia where I leade my life, 

and long againe at home to be. 
No force fliall caufe me to forget 

or lay the care of loue afide : 
Time is the touchftone of good will, 

wherby my meaning fhalbe tride. 
If I might haue conueid my lines 

vnto thy hands, it would haue eafde 
My heauie heart of diuers doubts, 

my meffage might my minde appeafde, 
But (friend) endure this long delay, 

my felfe wil come when time thai ferue, 
To tell thee newes, and how I fare : 

meane while Hand fad and do not fwerue, 
Prefume that as I was thine owne, 

euen fo I doe continue ftill. 
I know hir not whofe beautie fhall remooue 

or change my firfl good will. 
Thy face hath pierft my brefl fo farre, 

thy graces efte fo many bee, 
As if I would, I cannot choofe 

but loue, and make account of thee. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



305 



To a faire Gentlewoman, false to 
hir friend. 




[ITHIN the garden plot of thy faire face, 
Doth grow a graffe of diuers qualities : 
A matter rare within fo little fpace, 
A man to find fuch fundry properties : 
For commonly the roote in euery tree, 
Barcke, body,boughes, bud, leafe, and fruit agree. 
Firfl, for the roote is rigor in the bred, 

Treafon the tree, that fpringeth of the fame, 

Beautie the barcke that ouerfpreds the reft, 

The boughes are braue, and climing vp to fame, 

Braules be the buds that hang on euery bowe, 

A bloffom fit for fuch rootes to allowe. 
Loue is the leafe that little time endures, 

Flattrie the fruit which treafons tree doth beare, 

Though beauties barcke at firft the eie allure, 

Yet at the laft ill will, the worme, doth weare 

Away the leafe, the bloflbms, boughes, and all, 

And rigors roote makes beauties buds to fall. 



Par ejfere ingrata, 
Nonjarai amata. 



306 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



A farewell to a crafitie deceitfull 

Dame. 




S he that lothes the powders fmel, 

mufl neuer preafe where Gunners bee : 
So he that hates a double dame, 

mufl neuer haue to do with thee. 
For craft, I fee, is all thy care, 

thy fmootheft lookes betoken guiles : 



In womans wombe thou feedft a foxe, 

that bites thy friend on whom he fmiles. 
Had Nature wift thy deep deceits 

before thy birth, I thinke that kind, 
To faue thy name, and eafe thy friends, 

had feald thine eies, and kept thee blind. 
For what is fhee that beares a face 

of greater truft, and more good will? 
Yet who is flie that hath a heart 

more prone to pay the good with ill? 
Thy beautie led me on to loue, 

thy lookes allured my looking eyes: 
Thy doublenefie now breeds defpaire, 

thy craft doth caufe my wofull cries. 
I could requite diflembling loue, 

and gloze perhaps as well as you: 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 307 

But that I take but fmall delight 

to change mine ancient friends for new. 
Yet will I not be fotted fo, 

as ftil to let my loue to lofle : 
I better know what mettal is, 

than to exchange the gold for droffe 
Good will is euer woorth good will, 

if both the ballance egall bee : 
But fure too maffie is my loue, 

to make exchange of loues with thee 
Wherefore I fay, vnknit the knot 

wherwith thy loue was falfly tide, 
Thou lackfl a graine to make vp weight 

men fay, (good meafure neuer lide.) 
Go feeke fome other to deceiue, 

too wel I know thy craftie call : 
My mouth is very well in tafle, 

to iudge the hony from the gall. 
That you are gall, I may auow, 

for hony hath no bitter taft : 
The wine of your good will is fpent, 

you keep the dregs for me at laft. 
Wherfore I do renounce the calke, 

I leaue the lees for other men: 
My hap was ill, my choice was worfe, 

I yeeld you vp to choofe agen. 



2 Q 



303 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



Spare to speake, Spare to speede. 




Y Spencer, fpare to fpeake, 
and euer fpare to fpeed, 
Vnleffe thou fhew thy hurt, how ihall 

the Surgeon know thy need? 
Why hath a man a tongue, 
and boldneffe in his breft, 
But to bewray his mind by mouth, 

to fet his hart at reft? 
The fifherman that feares 

his corke and coard to caft, 
Or fpred his net to take the fifh, 

wel worthy is to fall. 
The forreftman that dreads 

to roufe the lodged Bucke, 
Bicaufe of bramble brakes, deferues 

to haue no hunters lucke. 
Where words may win good wil, 
and boldneffe beare no blame, 
Why fhould there want a face of braffe 

to bourd the braueft dame? 
Vnleffe thou caft thy lure, 
or throw hir out a traine: 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Thou feldome fhalt a Falcon, or 

a Taffell gentle jjaine. 
Though lookes betoken loue, 

and makes a fhew of luft, 
Yet fpeech is it that knits the knot 

whereto a man may trull. 
Affure thy felfe, as he 

that feares caliuer fliot, 
Can neuer come to fcale a fort, 

or ikirmifh woorth a grote : 
So he that fpares to fpeake, 

when time and place are fit, 
Is fure to miffe the marke, which elfe 

he were in hope to hit. 
Giue him an iuie leafe 

in flead of pipe to play, 
That dreads to bourd a gallant dame 

for feare file fay him nay. 
Where venture is but fmall, 

and bootie very great, 
A coward knight will hazard there 

in hope to worke his feat. 
Wherfore when time mail ferue 

(my Spencer) fpare to blufh, 
Fall to thy purpofe like a man, 

and boldly beat the burn. 
Who fo accounts of lofTe, 

doth feldom gaine the game : 



310 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

And blufhing cheekes be often bard, 

for feare of after fhame. 
No doubt, a Lady doth 

imbrace him more, that dares 
To tell his tale, than fuch a one 

that of his language fpares. 
Deceit is dreaded more, 

and craft doth rifer raigne, 
In one that like an image fits, 

than him that fpeaketh plaine. 
Yea, though thy miftreffe make, 

as though die loued no wine, 
Remember Aefops Foxe, that was 

too lowe to reach the vine. 
Take this for certaine troth, 

the bed and braueft bowe, 
Will floupe, if fo the caufe be good, 

thou knoweft my meaning now. 
Experience hath no peere, 

it pafleth learning farre: 
I fpeake it not without my booke, 

but like a man of warre. 
Wherfore be bold to boord 

the faireft firft of all, 
Aye Venus aides the forward man, 

and Cupid helps his thrall. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



311 



Wearie of long .silence, he breakes 
his mind to his Mistresse. 




<k^"J^OT much vnlike the horfe 

that feeles himfelf oppreft 
With weightie burthen on his backe, 

doth long to be at reft : 
So I, whofe boiling breft 
with fanfies floud did flow, 
Had great defire my great good will 

with painting pen to fhow : 
To eafe my wofull hart 

of long endured paine, 
And purchace quiet to my mind, 
whom loue wel nie hath flaine. 
Beleeue my words (deere dame) 

diffembling is a finne, 
Not mine, but thine, thefe many days 

my captiue hart hath bin. 
But ihame, and coward feare, 

the louers mortall foes, 
Would neuer condefcend that I 

my meaning fhould difclofe. 
Till now at length defire 
my wonted eafe to gaine : 



312 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Did bid me fue for grace, and faid 

I mould not fue in vaine. 
For as thy beautie is 

farre brauer than the reft, 
So bountie muft of force abound 

within thy noble breft. 
Oh, feeke not thou to filed 

or fucke of yeelding blood : 
Alas, I thinke to murther me 

would do thee little good. 
Whom if you feeme to rue, 

as I do hope you will, 
In prayfe of your good nature then 

my hand fhall ihew his fkill. 
Lo here in pawne of loue, 

I vowe my felfe to thee : 
A llaue, a feruant, and a friend 

till dying day to bee. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



313 



He wisheth his dreaines either 



longer or truer. 




HORT is the day wherein 
I doe not thinke of thee : 
And in the night amid my fieepe, 

thy face (deare dame) I fee. 
The dreame delights me much, 
>i^> v - — ^ it cuts my care away: 

Me thinkes I kifle and clip thee oft, 

the reft I blufh to fay. 
Who happy then but I, 

whilefl fieepe and flumber laft : 
But who (alas) fo much a wretch, 

as I when fieepe is paft. 
For with the Aiding Aeepe 

away Aips my delight : 
Departing dreames doe driue away 

thy countnance out of fight. 
And then in place of glee, 
in glydes a crew of care : 
My panting hart laments, that I 

do feele my bed fo bare. 
For thou that wert the caufe 
of comfort, art not there : 



314 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

And I poore filly wofull man, 

in fobs the night do weare. 
Then cnrfe I cankred chance, 

that made me dreame of thee, 
And fanfie fond, that fed it felfe 

with dreames that fained bee. 
Thus weares away the night 

confumde in carefull paine: 
Thofe reftleffe banners beating ftill 

vpon my bufie braine. 
Then drawes the dawning on, 

I leaue my couch, and rife, 
In hope to find fome pleafant toy 

that may content mine eyes. 
But out alas, I can 

not fee fo faire a fight, 
That can my heauie hart releiue, 

and daintie eies delight. 
Each beautie that doth blaze, 

each vifage that I fee, 
Augments my care, in caufing me 

to long and looke for thee. 
Thus watte I all the night 

in dreames without defire: 
Thus driue I on my dayes in loue, 

that fcalds like fcorching fire. 
Yet well content therewith, 

fo that, at my returne, 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 315 

Thou pitie me, who for thy fake, 

with Cupids coles do burne. 
I am the Turtle true, 

that fits vpon the tree: 
And waile my woe without a make, 

and onely wifh for thee. 

V r nable by long and hard trauell to banish 
loue, retnrnes hir friend. 

jOUNDED with loue, and piercing deep defire 
Of your faire face, I left my natiue land, 
With Ruflia fnow to flacke mine Englifh fire, 
But well I fee, no cold can quench the brand 
That Cupides coles enkindle in the breft, 
Frofl hath no force where friendfhip is pofieft. 
The Ocean fea for all his fearefull flood, 
The perils great of paffage not preuaile, 
To banifh loue the riuers do no good, 
The mountains hie caufe Cupid not to quaile, 
Wight are his wings, and fanfie flies as fall 
As any fliip, for all his failes and maft. 
The riuer Dwina cannot wafli away 
With all his waues the loue I beare to thee, 
Nor Suchan fwift loues raging heate delay, 
Good will was graft vpon fo fure a tree. 
Sith trauaile then, nor froft, can coole this fire : 
From Mofqua I thy frend wil home retire. 

2 R 




316 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



That he findeth others as faire, but not 
so faithnill as his frend. 




SUNDRY fee for beuties gloffe 

that with my miftreffe may compare : 
But few I finde for true good wil 

that to their frends fo frendly are. 
Looke what the faies, I may affure 
my felfe thereof, the wil not faine : 
What others fpeake is hard to truit, 

they meafure all their words by gaine. 
Her lookes declare her louing minde, 

her countnance and her heart agree : 
When others laugh they looke as fmooth, 

but loue not halfe fo wel as the: 
The greefe is hers when I am grypte, 

my fingers ache is her difeafe : 
With me, though others mourne to fight, 

yet are their hearts at quiet eafe. 
So that I marke in Cupids court, 
are many faire and frefh to fee : 
Each where is fowen dame beuties feede, 
but faire and faithfull few there bee. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



317 



Trauailing the desert of Russia, he complay 
neth to Eccho, with request that she 
comfort his afflicted state. 




'OU hollow hilles and vallies wide, 

that wonted are to yelde againe : 
The latter caufe of louers cries 

refound and help me to complaine. 
Repeate my piteous penfiue plaines, 
recite my tale when I haue done : 
Howie out ye hilles, and let me heare 
my voice among your rockes to run. 
It wil delight my dazed fprites, 

when I report my miftreffe name : 
Amid my plaint to heare the hilles, 

at euery call to call the fame. 
Good Eccho fhew me thy good will, 

is no man here but thou and I? 
Take vp my tale as I lament, 

and fay (Alas) as I doe crie, 
Was neuer man that did enioy, 

a better dame then I haue done ? 
But now (Alas) lhe is alacke, 
helpe Eccho, helpe, I am vndone. 



318 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Befides mine abfence from her fight, 

another doth poffefie my place, 
And of my harueft fheares the iheaues, 

helpe Eccho, helpe, lament my cafe. 
I know not when I thai returne, 

or when to fee that fweete againe : 
For (out alas) the is awav, 

good Eccho helpe to eafe my paine. 
But nought I fee it doth auaile, 

thy talke encreafeth but my woe : 
It irkes me to recite her name, 

and miffe the faint I honor fo. 
Wherefore, fith bootlefle be complaints, 

and clepings cannot right my cafe : 
I bid thee (Eccho) here adew, 

I will goe feeke to fee her face. 
The face that Paris would haue chofe, 

if he had feene her in the mount: 
Good faith, the lady Venus had 

been had as then in fmall account. 
And as for Pallas and the third, 

I meane the mighty Junos giace: 
I know right wel they would haue hid 

themfelues, and neuer preft in place. 
For nature made hir not to match, 

but to exceede and paffe the reft: 
Thrice happy he that can attaine 

her loue, and to be liked beft. 




EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 319 

He craues his Mistresse to accept his wryting, 

being otherwise insufficient to winne 

good liking from her. 

S many are the meanes, 

to fall in fancies frame : 
So diuers be the driftes of men, 

for to atchieue the fame. 
For fome to winne their loues, 
and purchafe priuy grace : 
With curious tonges like carpet knights 

doe pleade a fained cafe. 
And all to pleafe the eares, 

and mate their miflreffe minde: 
Of this and that they tell their tales, 

as they fit leafure finde. 
Some other wanting chatte, 
not hauing words at wil : 
With nimble ioynts, and fingering fine, 

on Lutes doe fhew their fk.il. 
By fugred found to winne 

their ladies to their loue: 
With earneft care thofe wanton wights, 

Apollos praclife proue. 
And fuch as fkilfull are, 
in daunfing doe defire 
To praclife that whereby to fet 
their fronions harts on fire. 



320 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Whofe breaft is fweete to eare, 

he ftraines his voice to fing: 
Thereby vnto his greedy lufl 

his miftreffe minde to bring. 
The martial man at armes, 

to mufler doth delight: 
And loues to fhew his helmed head 

before his Ladies fight. 
In hope to purchafe praife, 

and after praife fome grace: 
For women hue a valiant man 

that dares defend their cafe. 
Thus each one doth attempt, 

and puts the thing in vre, 
That fitteft is to gaine good will, 

fo Faulkners vfe the lure. 
But I, vnhappy wight, 

that can doe nought of thefe : 
How might I doe, or what deuife 

my miftreffe minde to pleafe? 
Where neither tongue can talke 

nor finger frame with Lute: 
Nor footing feme to daunce: alas, 

how ihould I moue my fute? 
Not pleafant is my voice, 

vnable to delight: 
I can doe nought vnleffe it be 

with pen to ihew my plight. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 321 

I only can in verfe, 

fet out a dame to fliow : 
And on a wel deferuing frend, 

a frendly praife beflow. 
Thus muft I hunt for loue, 

wherefore (good Lady) then 
In lieu of other finer fkilles, 

accept my ragged pen. 
Let me by writing win, 

what others doe by arte : 
And during life you Aral affure, 

you of a louing hart. 
No vertue fhalbe lodgde 

within your curteous brefl: 
But I wil blaze the fame abroad, 

as brauely as the bell. 
And as for beuties praife, 
I wil procure that fame 
Shal found it out fo loud, that all 

the world fhal read thy name. 
So as by louing me, 

you fhal haue loue againe: 
And eke the harts of thoufands mo 

for you good wil attaine. 
I neuer was mine owne 

fith firft I fawe your face : 
Nor neuer wil, but euer yours, 
if you wil rue my cafe. 



322 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



The meane is best. 




HE fire doeth frye, the froft doeth freefe, 

the colde breedes care, the heate doeth harme, 
The middle point twixt both is beft, 

nor ouer-cold, nor ouer-warme. 
I dreame it not the happy life 
the needie beggers bag to beare: 



Ne yet the bleffed (late of all 

a mightie Kaifars crowne to weare. 
That one is cloied with fundry cares, 

and dies ten thoufand times a day: 
That other Hill in danger goes, 

for euery traitors hand to flay. 
The higheft hill is not the place 

whereon to build the ftately bower: 
The deepeft vale it is as ill, 

for lightly there doth reft the fliower. 
The failing fhip that keepes the fhore, 

vpon the rocke is often rent : 
And he that ventures out too farre, 

and tries the ftream with waues is hent. 
For there the wind doth worke his will, 

there Neptunes churlifh imps do raign : 
The middle way is fafe to faile, 

I mean the mean betwixt the twain. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



323 



So that the meane is bod to choofe, 

not ouer hie nor ouer lowe : 
Wherfore, if you your fafetie loue, 

imbrace the meane, let mounting goe. 



To his friend Edward Dancie, 
of Deceit. 




ANCIE, deceit is rifer now a day, 

Then honed dealing, vertue is but vile, 
I fee diffembling beares the bell away : 
Craft hath a cloke to couer all his guile, 
And vnderneath the fame a knife doth lurke, 
■X^Sw When time {hall feme a fhamefullfpoile toworke. 
Each man almoft hath change of faces now, 
To fhift at pleafure, when it may auaile : 
A man muft giue no credit, to the browe, 
The fmootheft fmiling friend will fooneft fade : 
No truft without a triad many yeeres, 
All is not gold that glidringly appeeres. 

Who fo fhall make his choice vpon a man 
To loue, and like, mud warily looke about, 
A faithful friend is like a coleblacke Swan. 
We may not trud the painted fheafh without, 
Vnleffe good lucke continue at a day: 
Farewell thy friends, like foules they flie away. 

2s 



324 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



Of the right noble Lord, William, Earle 
Pembroke his death. 




HOUGH betters pen the praife 
of him that earned fame, 

Yet pardon men of meaner fkill 
if they attempt the fame. 

Good will may be as great 
in fimple wits to write, 



In commendation of the good, 

as heads of deeper fight. 
Wherfore among the reft 

that rue this Earles want, 
My felfe will fet my Mufe abroach, 

although my vaine be fcant. 
This Realme hath loft a lampe, 

that, gaue a gallant {how : 
No ftranger halfe fo ftrange to vs 

but did this Noble know. 
His vertues fpred fo farre, 

his worthy works fo wide, 
That forrain princes held him deere, 

where fo be was imploid. 
Whole wit fuch credite won 

in countrey feruice {till. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 325 

That Enuie could not giue the checke, 

nor rancor reaue good will. 
He euer kept the roume 

that prince and fortune gaue : 
As courteous in the countrey, as 

in court a Courtier braue. 
To low and meanefl men 

a lowly mind he bore, 
No hawtie hart to ftoute eftates, 

vnlefle the caufe were more. 
But than a Lions hart 

this dreadfull Dragon had: 
In field among his foes, as fierce, 

as in the Senate fad. 
Had Pallas at his birth 

for Pembroke done hir bell, 
As nature did : then Pembroke had 

furmounted all the reft. 
For though that learning lackt 

to paint the matter out, 
What cafe of weight fo weightie was, 

but Pembroke brought about? 
By wit great wealth he wonne, 

By fortune fauour came : 
With fauor friends, and with the friends, 

affurance of the fame. 
Of Princes euer praifd 

aduaunft and ftaid in ftate : 



326 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

From firft to lad commended much, 

in honors floole he fate. 
Beloued of Henry well, 

of Edward held as deere : 
A doubt whether fonne or father loued 

him beft as might appeere. 
Queene Mary felt a want, 

if Pembroke were away: 
So greatly the affied him, 

whileft flie did beare the fway. 
And of our peereleffe Queene, 

that all the reft doth paffe, 
I need not write, fhe fhewd hir loue 

whofe Steward Pembroke was. 
Sith fuch a noble then, 

by death our daily foe, 
Is reft this realme, why do we not 

by teares our forowes fliow? 
Why leaue we to lament? 

why keepe we in our cries? 
Why do we not powre out our plaints 

by condites of our eies? 
Our noble prince, our peeres, 

both poore and rich may rue, 
And each one forow Pembroke dead, 

that earft him liuing knew. 
Yt ioy in one refpecl, 

that he who liued fo hie. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



327 



In honors feat his honor faued, 

and forrunde fo to die. 
Which flocke of noble Hate 

fith cruell death hath reft, 
I wifti the branches long to bud, 

that of the roote are left. 
And profper fo aliue, 

as did this noble tree, 
And after many happy dayes, 

to die as well as hee. 



Finding his Mistresse vntrue, he 
exclainieth thereat. 




UNNE, ceafe to fhine by day, 
reftraine thy golden beames: 
Let ftarres refufe to lend their light, 

let fifli renounce the ftreames. 
Sea, parte thy kindly bounds, 
fet ebbe and flood afide: 
Graffe, leaue to grow, yet gallant plants 

depart with all your pride. 
Bend Tyber backe againe, 

and to thy fpring returne: 
Let firie coles begin to freeze, 
let ife and water burne. 



328 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Wolues leaue to flay the Lambs, 

hounds hunt the Hare no more : 
Be friend to foules, ye hungry haukes, 

whom ye purfude before. 
For kind hath altred courfe, 

the law that nature fet 
Is broken quite, hir orders fkornd, 

and bands in funder fret. 
Loue is accounted light, 

and friendfhip forced nought: 
My felfe may well proclaime the fame, 

that loue hath dearly bought. 
I fortund once to like 

and fanfie fuch a dame: 
As fundry ferud, but none atchieud, 

hir feature wan hir fame. 
Long fute and great defart, 

with triall of my truft, 
Did make hir fanfie me againe, 

flie found me perfit iuft. 
But ere I felt the bliffe, 

that louers do attaine : 
I bode a thoufand cruell fits, 

ten thoufand kinds of paine. 
Till ruth by reafon grew 

and rigor layd apart: 
On me fhe did bellow hir loue, 

that bell deferued hir hart. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 329 

Then mirth gan counterpoife 

the griefs I felt before : 
And if I had endured fmart 

I ioyed than the more. 
She pafl me many vowes, 

and fundry forts of heft : 
And fwore I was the onely wight 

whom flie did fanfie beft. 
Then happy who but I, 

that did beleeue the fame ? 
As who is he that would refufe 

to credite fuch a dame? 
O friend, when I (quoth fhe) 

fhall alter my good will, 
And leaue to loue thee pairing well, 

thy fanfie to fulfill : 
When I for gallant gifts, 

for mucke or glittring gold : 
For comely limmes of courtly knights, 

delightfull to behold: 
For Kaifars kingly crowne 
thy friendfliip do defie : 
O Gods (quoth fhe) renounce me then, 

and let me monfter die. 
Thefe words and facred vowes 
might quicklie credit gaine : 
For who in fuch a cafe would glofe 
or go about to faine? 



330 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Yet now, for all hir fpeech 

and glauering talke fhe vfed, 
She is reuolted, and hir friend, 

too fowlie hath abufd: 
Though not againfl hir kind, 

(for Ladies are but light), 
And foone reraooue but cleane againft 

their othes and promife quite. 
But what fhould we expect 

from thornes, no Rofe perdie: 
The figtree yeelds a fig, on vines 

the grapes in clufters bee. 
Which fith I find at laft, 

though greatly to my paine, 
Loe here I do defie the face 

in whom fuch craft doth raigne. 
Farewell thou lliameleffe fhrew, 

faire Crefides heire thou art: 
And I Sir Troylus earfl haue been, 

as prooueth by my fmart. 
Hencefoorth beguile the Greekes, 

no Troyans will thee truft: 
I yeeld thee vp to Diomed, 

to glut his filthie lull. 
And do repute my felfe 

herein a blefled man, 
Who, finding fuch deceit in thee, 

refufe thy friendfliip can. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 331 

For fundry times we fee, 

the fots that ferue in loue, 
Can neuer purchafe freedom, nor 

their frantike rage remoue. 
But who fo hath the grace 

to banilh fond defire, 
I count him bleft of mightie loue, 

for few or none retire. 
So fweete is finfull lull, 

the venome is fo vile: 
As Circes cup no fooner might 

the bowling Greeks beguile. 
Now hang abroade thy hookes, 

beftowe thy baites elfewhere, 
Thy pleafant call lhall haue no power 

to lure my cunning eare. 
I tride thy twigges too much, 

my feathers felt thy lime : 
To giue thee vp, and lhunne thy Ihiftes, 

I coumpt it more than time. 



2 T 



332 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



A warning that she be not 
vncourteous. 




CHUSE you not to change, 
I entred band to bide : 
But plighted promife cracl by you, 

I count my felfe vntide. 
No hell is to be held, 
no vow of valew, when 
You dames the coller flip : 

by craft to compaffe men. 
Prefume not of good wil, 

becaufe I fvvore you loue: 
For faithful frends vpon abufe, 

their fancy may remoue. 
Which lincke of loue vndone, 
repentance comes too late: 
The fort is wonne when tiueth is flaine, 

and treafon keepes the gate. 
No teares can purchafe truce, 

no weeping winnes good wil : 
True loue once loft by due defart, 

is not renewde by fk.il. 
Good meaning may not feme 
to feede your frends withall: 
As wit in words, fo trueth in deedes, 
appeares, and euer fhal. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 333 

Who fo doth runne a race, 

fhall furely fweate amaine, 
And who fo loucs, flial hardly gloze 

of fecret hidden paine, 
Way wel my loue at firft, 

recall to retchleffe thought, 
The fiery fittes, the penfiue panges, 

which I ful deerely bought. 
Before I tooke the tall 

of what I lykte fo well : 
And then confider careles, how 

to Junos yoke you fel. 
Forget not how for gaine 

and raucke your match was made: 
When I the while (poore man) was forft 

a weery life to trade. 
The Lions loue refufde 

the nobleft bead of all : 
Vnto a fotte you yokt your felfe, 

and woxe a willing thrall. 
Then who would force but I, 

or hold the iewel deere, 
That on anothers finger fits, 

and hath done many a yeere: 
And long is like to doe, 

the hogge that gapes for hawes, 
That hang fo fafl, may groynd his tufkes 

and die with emptie iawes. 



334 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

I fpeake it not of fpight, 

but fure you ill deferue : 
A man that meanes fo well as I, 

fith you doe dayly fwerue. 
A foole by foule abufe, 

fliall haue you more at becke: 
Then he that euer loued you well, 

and neuer gaue you checke. 
Which fhewes that either wit, 

or faithful loue you lacke : 
Beware in time, miiliking growen, 

may not be bended backe. 
When Crelid clapt the dim, 

and Lazer-like did goe: 
She rewde no doubt that earft the did 

the Troyan handle fo. 
And might me then retirde 

to beuties auncient towre : 
She would haue ftucke to Priams fonne, 

of faithful loue the floure. 
But fond, too late the found 

that fhe had been too light : 
And ouerlate bewaild that fhe 

forwent the worthy knight. 
Imprint it in your breft, 

and thinke that Ladies lot, 
May light on you, with whom your frend 

is cauueffe thus forgot. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 335 

I would be loth to lone, 

and leaue with lofle againe : 
I fmarted once, and you (none els) 

the ground of all my paine. 
Time tries the trufly minde, 

which time doth councell me 
To deale my loue by equall weight, 

leafl I deceiued be. 
Where counfel nor aduice, 

can take no better holde : 
The loffe is light: for colour I 
imbrace not glowing golde. 
No more I way a frend, 

for feature of her face : 
Her dealing wel muft binde good will, 

vprightly iudge my cafe. 
I wholly was your owne, 

and lefle you loue aleeke : 
The match betwixt us two is marde, 

and I your frend to feeke. 
If any els deferue 

a fhare or better part: 
Let me but know your mind, and then 

adue with all my hart. 
I found the trumpet now, 

that warning geues to you: 
To leaue to loue befides my felfe, 
to whom the whole is due. 



336 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



I tell you this betimes, 

as one that would be loath 
By your defert to choofe againe, 

and breake mine auncient oth. 
Which if by fortune fall, 

allowe your felfe the thankes: 
Whofe parts vnkind may force a man 

to play vnfriendly prankes. 



To one whom he had long loued, and at last was 
refused without cause, and one unbra- 
ced that least deserued it. 

Che prende diletto di far f rode 
Nonji delamentar ; Ji altri le inhanna. 

^F lyking bell with fancy firmely fet, 

If louing moll, with retchleffe care of ftate, 
If true good will, whom time could neuer fret, 
If pardoning faults, which now I rewe too late, 
If good flil done, and euer meant to you : 
Are not of force to make your frendfhips true. 




If foule abufe and tearmes of loathfome found, 
If mifchiefe meant, and feldome good bellowed, 
If black defame and credit brought to ground, 
If bafe reports fo raflily fpread abroad 
Can winne good wil, and binde a furer band : 
Then he that loues and beares you not in hand, 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 33; 

Then happy he that workes your deepe decay, 
And (launder feekes to both your open fliames, 
For he doth laucrh and beare the bcl away, 
Vnlucky I with whom fo il it frames, 
As now at lad in guerdon of my toyle, 

I reape refufe and bide this fecond foile. 

Wei may he laugh that is my deadly foe, 
And I lament impatient of my paine, 

II may flie fare whofe craft hath caufde my woe, 
And fickle faith decerned me thus againe. 

But I too blame, as many foulers bee, 
Who had the bird in hand and let her flee. 

More wife then you the babe that feeling flame 
And once indangerd of the burning blaze, 
Doth ftraight refufe the touching of the fame, 
But you much like the gnat doe loue to gaze, 
And flee fo long about the candle light: 
As both will feare your wings and carcaffe quight. 

The flaue that femes his prentiihip in paine 
Not halfe fo much a wretch as wretched I, 
For he doth end his yeeres with certaine gaine, 
Where I haue leaue the harden 1 , hap to trie, 
And hopeleffe quite of what by due was mine 
To grone in greefe, and with my paines to pine. 



338 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Wei, wel, content, fith chaunee and you agree, 
I take my hap, though cleane againfl my wil, 
Enforft by you my faith and frend I flee, 
You mud by kinde remaine a woman ftil, 
Who lookes to haue the crowe to change his blacke 
Before it chaunee perchance his eyes may lacke. 

Sith you can rule (as by report you may), 
(And that to rule is it you women craue) 
Begin your raigne, God graunt he doe obey 
That long in yoke hath kept you like a ilaue, 
I feare, I with, I hope the time wil bee: 
When Louedaies made for lucre wil not gree. 

Sticke fall to him who bolfters your eflate, 
Forgiue the faults that haue been done amiffe, 
Forget reports, cling clofely to your mate, 
But thinke on him fometime that wrote you this, 
If euer chaunee doe make your bondage free: 
God fend your fecond choyce like this to bee. 

And as for him whole helping hand hath done 
The befl it might to worke my cruel woe, 
I truft in time, when all the threede is fponne, 
Shall deepely ruwe that he abufde me fo. 
That womans fpite all other fpites exceedes : 
It doth appeere by both your curfed deedes. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 339 

If my defert to him bad been fo ill, 
Then could I not on him haue laid the blame, 
If mine abufe to you had crackt good will, 
Yours were the praife, and mine the open fhame : 
I loued you both, and yet doe reape at laft 
But hate from both, for all my frendfhip pad. 

1. Due volte me hai ingannato. 

2. Supplicio al mondo non e dato, 
Maggior, quanto pate vn die inamorato. 

3. Qual lienifoglie, le domefono, e crude piu che 

tqffb 

Piu che Tigre inclementi, et difdegnqfe, 
Piu che orfe, et piu che luge empie e rabbiqfe. 
Hanno piu inganni, che non hanno capelli in 
capo. 

4. quante, arte et inganni ha iljejffbfeminino. 
quanti laccif O quanti nodi, e groppi? 
Per far huomini venir deboli e zorpi. 

A lio ingrata, troppo amata. 



2 u 



340 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



An Epitaph vpon the death of Henry 

Sydnham, and Giles Bampfield, 

Gentlemen. 




S rife as to my thought repaires 
that drearie doleful clay, 

And mod vnluckie houre (alas) 
that hent my friends away : 

So oft my bred is like to burft, 
and ribs to rend in twaine : 



My liuer and my lungs giue vp, 

my hart cloth melt amaine, 
And to decipher inward griefs 

that crufh my carcafle fo : 
The fluces of mine eyes do flip, 

and let their humor go. 
Out flies the floud of brackifh teares, 

whole feas of forow fwell, 
In fuch abundance from my braine, 

as wo it is to tell. 
Why do I tiie-n conceale their names ? 

what means my iluggiih pen, 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 341 

To hide the haps and lucklefle lot 

of thefe two manly men? 
Sith filence breeds a fmothering fmart, 

where fundry times we fee, 
That by difclofing of our mindes 

great cares digefled bee. 
Wherefore my moumfull Mufe begin, fyc. 

So Fortune would, the cankred kernes, 

who feldom ciuil are, 
Detefting golden peace, tooke amies, 

and fell to frantike war. 
Vp rofe the rude and retchlefie rogues, 

with dreadfull darts in hand, 
And fought to noy the noble flate 

of this our happy land. 
Whofe bedlam rage to ouerrule, 

and fury to confound, 
The L. of Effex chofen was, 

a noble much renownd. 
Away he went, awaited on 

of many a courtly knight : 
Whofe fwelling harts had fully vowed 

to daunt their foes in fight. 
Among the reft (I rue to tell) 

my Sydnham tooke the feas : 
Gyles Bampfield eke aboord he leapt- 

his princes wil to pleafe. 



342 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



Whofe martial minds and burning brefts 



were bent to beare the broile 
Of bloodie wars, and die the death, 

or giue the foe the foyle. 
And treble bleffed had they been, 

if fortune fo had willed, 
That they with hawtie fword in hand 

had died in open field. 
For fame with garland ofrenowne, 

vndoubted decks his lied, 
That in defence of Prince and Realme, 

his life and blond dothjlied. 
But out (alas) thefe gallant imps 

before they came to land : 
To mew their force and forward harts, 

by dint of deadly hand. 
Before they fought amid the field, 

or lookt the foe in face, 
With fodain ftorme, in Irifh ftreame 

were drownd, a wofull cafe. 
Vp rofe with rage a tempeft huge, 

that troubled fo the furge, 
As fhipmen fhrunke, and Pylot knew 

not how to fcape the fcourge. 
And yet no dread of doubtfull death, 

no force of fretting fome, 
Nor wrath of weltring waues could flay 

thofe martiall mates at home. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 343 

Not angry Aeols churlilh chaffe, 

that fcoules amid the fkies: 
Nor fullen Neptunes furging fuds 

mought daunt their manly eyes. 
Vnworthy they (O gods) to feed 

the hungry fifh in flood: 
Or die fo bafe a death as that, 

if you had thought it good. 
But what you will, of force befals, 

your heauenly power is fuch, 
That where and how, and whom you lift, 

your godheds daily touch. 
And reafon good, that fithence all 

by you was wrought and done, 
No earthly wight fhould haue the wit 

youre wreakefull fcourge to fhonne. 
Well, Sydnham, Bampfield, and the reft, 

fith wailing doth no good, 
Nor that my teares can pay the price 

or ranfome of your blood: 
Sith no deuife of man can make 

that you fhould hue againe, 
Let thefe my plaints in verfe fuffife 

your foules, accept my paine. 
If ought my writing be of power 

to make your vertues known, 
According to your due deferts 
which you in life haue fhown. 



344 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Affure yourfelues, my raournfull Mufe 

mall do the bell it can, 
To caufe your names and noble minds 

to Hue in mouth of man. 
And fo adue, my faithfull friends, 

lamenting lets my quill: 
I loued you liuing, and in death, 

for euer fo I will. 
Accept my writing in good worth, 

no fitter means I find 
To do you good, now being dead, 

nor eafe my mourning mind. 
No better life than you haue led 

vntp my felfe I wifh: 
But happier death, if I might chufe, 

than fo to feed the fifh. 
The gods allow my lims a tombe 

and graue wherein to lye : 
That men may fay, thrife happy he, 

that happened fo to die. 
For kindly death is counted good, 

and blefled they be thought, 
That of their friends vnto the pit, 

vpon the beere are brought. 
But for my felfe, I reckon thofe 

more bleft a thoufand fold, 
That in the quarel of their prince, 

their hues and blood haue fold. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



345 



As you mine ancient mates did meane, 

for which the mightie Ioue, 
In heaucn fhal place your fouls, although 

vmir bones on rocks do roue. 



A letter begun to a Gentlewoman of some 

account, which was left of by means 

of the aduise of a friend of his, 

who said she was foresped. 




'OUR beautie (madame) made 
mine eye to like your face: 
And now my hart did caufe my hand 

to fue to you for grace. 
The ground of my good wil, 
by feature firft was call, 
Which your good noble nature hath 

for euer fealed fall. 
When plants be furely pight, 
than lightly will they proue, 
No tree can take fo deep a roote 

as grifts of faithfull loue. 
If I had feared difdaine, 

or thought that hawtie pride 
Had harbourd in that brefl of yours, 
which is the pecocks guide : 



346 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Then fhould I not haue durft 

thefe verfes to indite, 
But waying well your curteous kind, 

I tooke the hart to write. 
In hope that Venus gifts 

are matcht with Pallas goods, 
And that true frendihip fioures wil fpring 

of blafing beauties buds. 
For feldom fhal you find 

a dame of your degree, 
And of fuch features, but hir lookes 

and maners do agree. 
Which if in proofe I find, 

as I prefume I fhall, 
Then happy others, but I compt 

my fortune befl of all. 
And to expreffe my ioy, 

my hands I mean to clap : 
As who would fay, loe I am he 

that haue this blcffed hap. 
Let not my hopes be vaine, 

in your hand lies my life: 
And if you lift to cut my throte, 

you haue the fatall knife. 
For wholly on your lookes 

and mercy flayes the threed 
That holds my lims togither now, 

the gods haue fo decreed. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

I am your bounden thrall, 

and euer mean to be: 
I will not change my choice, &c. 



347 



To his Friend not to change, though iea- 
lousie debarre him hir company. 




HANGE not thy choyce (my deere,) 
ftand liable in good will, 

Let ancient faithful loue appeere 
betwixt vs louers flill. 

A wifdom friends to win, 
as great a wit againe : 



A gotten friend, that faithfull is, 

in friendfhip to retaine. 
Thou feefl how hatred hewes 

the chips of our mifchance : 
And iealoufie doth what it may, 

the Viper to aduance. 
Whofe prying eyes are prefl 

to hinder our intent, 
But malice oft doth miffe his marke, 

where two good wils be bent. 



2x 



348 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

So carefull Argus kept 

the faire well featured cowe : 
Whofe watchful eies ful feldome flept, 

according to his vowe. 
And yet at length he loft 

his head, and eke his hire : 
For Mercury his cunning croft, 

to further loues defire. 
So curfl Acrifius clofde 

the mayden in the mewe, 
Where he affuredly fuppofed 

to keepe the virgin true. 
Yet Danae did conceaue 

within the fecret towre : 
And did in lap receiue the god, 

that fel in golden fhowre. 
Way what good wil he beares, 

that liues in fuch diftruft: 
He fares as cloth the wretch that feares 

his golde, and lets it ruft : 
Whofe hungry heaping minde 

for all his looking on, 
Is oft abufde, and made as blinde 

as any marble ftone. 
I craue but your content, 

when time and place agree, 
And that you wil be wel content 

to yelde your felfe to me. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 349 

Who euer wil regard 

the honor of your name, 
And looke what pleafure may be fparde, 

wil only craue the fame. 
No checke fliall taint your cheeke, 

by proofe of open acte : 
I neuer wil vnwifely feeke 

to haue your credit craekte. 
My loue excels his luft, 

my fancy his good wil : 
My trueth doth farre furmount his truft, 

my good deferts his il. 
Wherfore (my deere) confent 

vnto my iuft requeft: 
For I long fith haue loued you wel, 

and euer meant you bell. 
So fliall you haue my heart, 

ftil redy at your call: 
You cannot play a wifer part 

then cherifh fuch a thrall. 



350 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



To his Frend not to forget him. 




jHERE liking growes of luft, 
it cannot long endure: 
But where we finde it graft on loue, 

there frendfhips force is fure. 
Where wealth procures good wil, 
when fubftance Aides away, 
There fancy alters all by fittes, 

and true loue doth decay. 
Where beutie bindes the band, 

and feature forceth loue, 
With crooked age or changed face, 

their frendfhip doth remoue. 
No one of thefe (my deare) 
that fickle thus doe fade: 
Did bend my bred, or forft thy frend 

to follow Cupids trade. 
But meere good wil in deede 
not graft on hope of gaine : 
I lovde without regard of luft, 

as proofe hath taught you plaine : 
I way no wauering wealth, 
I force not of thy face : 
No graunt of pleafure prickes me on 
thy perfon to embrace. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 351 

No hope of after hap 

ingenders my good wil: 
I Iovde thee when I faw thee firft, 

and fo I loue thee ftil. 
Wherefore requite with care 

the man that meanes you fo : 
It lies in you to yeld him eafe, 

or plague his hart with woe. 
You were not bred of rockes, 

no marble was your meate : 
I truft I fhal fo good a dame, 

to loue me belt intreate. 
You know I beare the blame, 

your felfe are nothing free : 
He loues me not for louing you, 

nor you for louing me. 
Confider of the cafe, 

and like where you are lovde : 
It is againfl your kinde to pleafe 

where you are fo reprovde. 
His frendfhip is in doubt, 

you Hand affured of me: 
He hates vs both, I cannot loue 

the man that hateth thee. 
His frantike words of late, 

bewraide his folly plaine: 
Affure yourfelfe he loues you not, 

his glofing is for gaine. 



352 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Which purpofe being brought 

to his defired paffe, 
The fotte will fhew himfelfe a beaft, 

and prooue a wayward Afle. 
By reafon rule his rage, 

by wifdome mafter wil: 
Embrace your frend in fpite of him, 

that meanes you no good wil. 
A lime in time may come, 

if gods wil haue it fo, 
When we each other flial inioy, 

to quite each others woe. 
Which time if time agree, 

to pleafure vs withall, 
Our honie wil the fweeter feeme 

that we haue tailed gall. 
Till when vfe womans wit, 

therein you know my minde : 
I neuer was, nor neuer wil 

be found your frend vnkinde. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



353 



A vowe of Constancie. 




IRST fhal the rasfin" flouds 
againft their courfe runne : 

By day the moone thai lend her light, 
by night the golden funne. 

Firft fickle fortune fhall 
fland at a ftedv flay : 



And in the fea the fhining ftarres 

thai moue and keepe their way. 
Firft. Fifh amid the ayre, 

fhal wander to and fro : 
The cloudes be cleere, in beuty eke 

the cole exceede the fnowe. 
Firft kinde fhal alter all 

and change her wonted ftate: 
The blind fhal fee, the deafe fhal heare, 

the dumbe flial freely prate. 
Before that any chaunce, 

or let that may arife, 
Shalbe of force to wreft my loue, 

or quench in any wife 
The flame of my good will, 

and faithful fancies fire. 
Sauc cruel death fhal nothing daunt. 

or coole my bote defire. 



354 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Defire that guides my life, 

and yeldes my hart his foode : 
Wherefore to be in prefence ftil, 

with thee, would doe me good. 
Which prefence I prefume 

thou neuer wilt deny : 
But as occafion femes, 

fo thou to frendfhip wilt apply. 
Til when I giue thee vp 

to good and happy chaunce, 
In hope that time to our delights 

will feeke vs to aduance. 
Adue (deere frend) to thee, 

that art my only ioy: 
More faire to me then Helen was 

to Priams fonne of Troy : 
And conftant more in loue, 

then was Vliffes make, 
Of whofe aflured life and zeale, 

fo much the Poets fpake. 
Lefle light than Lucrece eke, 

whom Tarquins luft defilde : 
As courteous as the Carthage Queene, 

that fowly was beguilde. 
To quite all which good parts, 

this vow I make to thee: 
I will be thine as long as I 

haue power mine owne to be. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



355 



Another Epitaph vpon the death of Henry 
Sydnham, and Gyles Bampfield, gent. 




F teares might ought auayle to stynt my woe, 
If sobbyng sighes breathd out from pensiue brest, 
Could ease the gryping greefes that payn me so, 
Or pleasure them for whom I am distrest : 
Neyther would I stycke wyth teares to fret my lace, 
Nor spare to spend redoubled sighes apace. 



2 But sith neyther dreary drops nor sighes haue power 
To doe me good, or stand my frenxls in steede, 
Why should I seeke wyth sorowes to deuoure 
Those humors that my fayntyng lymmes should feede, 
Bootelesse it were therforc I wyl assay 

To shew my selfe a frend some other waj r . 

3 Some other way, as by my mournyng pen, 

To doe the world to wit what wyghts they were 
Whose deaths I wayle, what frendly forward men, 
. And to thys land they both dyd beare, 
Alas, I rue to name them in my verse: 
Whose only thought my trembling hart doth pearse. 



4 But yet I must of force their names vnfolde, 
(For things concealde are seldome when bewaild,) 
Tone Sydnham was, a manly wight and bolde, 
In whom neither courage haute, nor feature faylde, 

2 Y 



55f> EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Faythful to frends, vndaunted to his foes, 
A lambe in loue, where he to fancy chose. 

5 The second neere vnto my selfe allyde, 

Gj'les Bamfield bight, (I weepe to wryte his name), 
A gallant ympe, amyd his youthfull pryde: 
Whose seemely shape commended natures frame. 
Deckte of the gods in cradle where he lay : 
With louely lymmes, and parts of purest clay. 

6 Themselues might boast theyr byrths for gentle bloud, 
The houses are of countenance whence they came, 
And vaunt I dare their vertues rare as good, 

As was their race and fitted to the same. 

There wanted nought to make them perfect blest. 

Saue happy deathes which clouded all the rest. 

7 When rascall Irysh hapned to rebel, 
(Who seld we see doe long continue true) 
Vnto the Lord of Essex lotte it fell 

To haue the lotte those outlawes to subdue: 
Who went away to please the prynce and state, 
Attended on of many a doughty mate : 

8 Whose names although my dreary quil conceale, 
Yet they (I trust) wil take it wel in worth, 

For noble mindes employd to common weale, 
Shall finde a stemme to blaze their prowes foorth. 
My dolefull muse but this alone entends, 
To wryte and wayle my frends vnhappy endes. 

9 A way they would, and gaue their last adew, 
With burning hearts to slay the sauage foe, 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 357 

Bestride their steads, and to the sea they flew, 
Where weather rose, and water raged so, 
As they (alas) who meant their countrey good, 
Were f'orst to lose their liues in Irish flood. 

10 Those eyes should haue lookt the foe in face, 
Were then constraind to winke at euery waue, 
Those valiant arraes the billowes did imbrace, 
Tiiat vowd with sword this realms renowue to saue: 
Those manly minds that dreaded no mishap, 
Were soust in seas, and caught in suddaine trap. 

1 1 Proud Eole Prince, controller of the winds, 
With churlish Neptune, soueraigne of the seas, 

Did play their parts, and shewd their stubburn kinds, 
Whom no request nor prayer might appease, 
The Troyan Duke bid not so great a brunt, 
When he of yore for Lauine land did hunt. 

12 And yet these wights committed none offence 
To Juno, as sir Paris did of yore, 

Their only trauell was for our defence, 

Which makes me waile their sodain deaths the more. 

But what the Gods do purpose to be done, 

By proofe we see, mans wisdom cannot shun. 

13 Ye water Nimphes, and you that Ladies be, 
Of more remorse, and of a milder mood, 
Than Neptune or king Eole, if you see 
Their balefull bodies driuing on the floud, 
Take vp their lims, allowing them a graue, 
Who well deserued a richer hearse to haue. 



358 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



14 Whereon do stampe this small deuice in stone, 
That passers by may read with dewed eyes, 
When they by chance shall chance to light thereon. 

LOE SYDNHAM HERE, AND BAMPFIELDS BODY LIES : 
-j WHOSE WILLING HARTS TO SERUE THEIR PRINCE AND REALME, 
I SHORTNED THEIR L1UES AMID THIS WRATHFULL STREAME. 

Ante obitum, supremaque funera falix 
Deo iubente,futo cedunt mortalia. 



A Louer decerned, exclaimes against 

the Deceiuer and hir 

kind. 




OW much a wretch is he 
that doth affie fo well 
In womans words, and in hir hart 

doth lodge his loue to dwell? 
Beleeues hir outward glee, 
and tickle terraes to trull, 



And doth without regard of time, 

apply to womans hid? 
Sith that her wandring will, 

and molt vnftable mind, 
Doth daily toffe and turne about, 

as leaues amid the wind. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNET- 359 

Who lothes hir mod, (he loues : 

and him that fues for grace, 
She fharply fliuns, and proudly fcornes, 

and ebbes and flowes apace. 
O gods, what haue I done? 

alas, at length I fpie 
My former follies, and difcerne 

how much I marcht awry. 
To plant affured truft 

in tickle womans breft, 
That Tygerlike fance mercy Hues, 

and euer fliuns the beft. 
And yet fhe knowes I loue, 

and how I wafle away : 
And that my hart may haue no reft, 

nor quiet night or day. 
Which fith to hir is knowen, 

and how I hold hir chiefe: 
Why cruell and vnkind, doth fhe 

not pitie of my griefe? 
Who is fo perfect wife, 

that may fuch malice brooke 
Of womans proud difdaine, 

or beare their braules with quiet looke? 
Without an open fhew 

of lothfome lurking fmart, 
That rackes the ribs, that beates the breft, 
and plagues the penliue hart. 



360 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

O me, vnhappy wight, 

mofl wofull wretch of all, 
How do I lofe my libertie, 

and yeeld my felfe a thrall, 
In feruing hir that cleane 

againfl all law and right 
Confumes my life, deftroyes my days, 

and robs my reafon quite. 
O loue, cut off hir courfe, 

and bridle fuch a dame, 
As fkornes thy ikill, and leaues thy laws, 

and makes my griefe hir game. 
If (as I deeme) thou be 

the foueraigne of the ikies, 
Of Elements and Nature eke, 

that all in order ties, 
Wreake both thy wrong fullaind, 

and eke thy damage done 
To me, on hir, whom flatly thou 

perceiuefl vs both to fliun. 
Conuert hir frofen hart 

to coles of fcalding fire, 
Where rigor raigns, and enuie dwels, 

with poifoned wrathfull ire. 
She, cruell, knowes my loue, 

and how as Saint, I Ihrine 
Hir beautie in my breft, 

and how with pearcing pains I pine : 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 361 

And how a thoufand times 

each day I die, flie knowes, 
Yet mercileffe, no mercy flie, 

nor figne of forow fhowes. 
She bound me to the flake, 

to broile amid the brands : 
At point to die a Martyrs death, 

all which flie vnderflands. 
Yea, though fhe know it well, 

yet flie conceiues a ioy 
At all my bitter grief, and glads 

hir felfe with mine annoy. 
O mofb difloyall dame, 

O bloudy brefted wight: 
O thou, that haft confumd by care, 

my hart and courage quite. 
O thou, for treafon that 

Iugurtha, and the Jew, 
Doeft far excell, and from thy friend, 

withholdft thy fauour dew. 

traiterous of thy troth, 
of all good nature bare : 

Loe here of my poore wounded hart, 
the gafh cut in by care. 

1 fee thou feeft my fore, 

and yet thou wilt be blind : 
Thou ftopft thine eares, and wilt not hear 
the griefs that I do find. 



362 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Where is become thy loue, 

and ancient great good will, 
That earft was borne? wheres that defire 

that forft thee to fulfill 
Thy pleafures paft with me, 

in cabbin where we lay? 
What is become of thofe delights ? 

where is that fugred play ? 
Wheres all that daliance now, 

and profers proudly made ? 
Wheres thofe imbrafings friendly ? 

where is that bleffed trade 
And fignes of perfit loue, 

which then thou puttft in vre ? 
And which, for any gift of mine, 

mought yet right well endure. 
Full fhaclowlike they fhift, 

and can no longer bide: 
Like dull before the wind they flie, 

your other mate doth guide. 
And flrikes fo great a flroke, 

he wrefts your wits as round 
As flittering leaues, that from the Aflie 

or pine are fhaken downe. 
Full lightly womans loue 

is altred euermore: 
It may not laft, there is exchange 

continually in ftore. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 363 

And reafon : For by kind 

a ivoman is but light, 
Which makes that fanfie from hir bred, 

is apt to take hir flight. 
I had good hope at firft, 

when hap did me allure, 
To like of thee, that this thy loue 

was planted to endure. 
I neuer feard a fall, 

on ground that lay fo greene : 
Where path was plaine for me to paffe, 

and bottom to be feene. 
I doubted no decay, 

nor feard no after fmart : 
Thy beautie did me not defpaire, 

thy lookes affured thy hart. 
But who beleeues the lookes 

of any of your race, 
May foone deceiue himfelfe, 

There lies no credite in the face. 
Well, fith thy froward mind 

doth like to heare my mone : 
And mine vnhappy planet giues 

confent, that I alone, 
Without thy loue fhall Hue, 

and lacke the lampe of light : 
To cleare mine eies, that far excels 



all other ftars in fight. 



2 Z 



364 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



Vnto the havvtie fkies, 

and people here below : 
I will my griping griefs expreffe, 

and furge of forowes fhow. 
In hope that direfull death, 

with dreadfull dart of force, 
Will couch my carcafe in the graue, 

and there conuey my corfe. 

Yet ere I die, receiue this Swan- 
like Jong, 
To eaje my hart, andjliew thine 
open wrong. 




WAUERING womans will, 
that bends fo foone about, 
Why doeft thou fo reuolt in haft, 

and fhutft thy friend without, 
Againft the law of loue? 
O thrife vnhappy hee, 
That doth beleeue thy beauties beames, 

and lookes of gallant glee. 
For neither thraldom long, 

that I, poore wight, abode: 
Nor great good will by fundry figns, 
and outward gefture fhewed, 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 365 

Had force to hold thy hart, 

and keep thee at a flay : 
No good defart of mine might flop 

that would of force away. 
Yet of this cruel lotte, 

and fel mifchance, I finde 
Nor know no caufe, but that thou art 

fprong out of womans kind. 
I iudge that Nature, and 

the Gods that gouerne all, 
Deuifde this wicked fhameles fexe 

to plague the earth withall. 
A mifchiefe for vs men, 

a burden bad to beare: 
Without whofe match too happy we, 

and too too bleffed were. 
Euen as (he Beares are bread, 

the Serpent and the Snake, 
The barking Wolfe, the filthy the 

that noyfome flefh doth make. 
The {linking weede to fmell 

that growes among the graine: 
Euen fo I thinke the Gods haue made 

your race vs men to paine. 
Why did not kinde forefee, 

and Nature fo deuife, 
That man of man, without the help 

of woman, moujjht arife? 



366 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

As by the art of hande 

of apples apples fpring: 
And as the pearetree graft by kind 

another peare doeth bring. 
But if you marke it wel, 

the caufe is quickly feene : 
It is for that thou Nature art 

a woman, though a Queene. 

dames, I would not with 
you peacocklike to looke, 

Or puft with pride to vaunt that man 

of you his being tooke. 
For on the bryar oft 

a gallant rofe doth grow, 
And of a ftincking weede an herbe 

or floure frefli to {how. 
Ye are exceffiue proude, 

ftuft vp with {lately fpite : 
Voyd of good loue, of loyall trueth, 

and all good counfel quite. 
Rafh, cruel caufleffe, curft, 

vnkinde without defert, 
Borne onely for the fcourge of him 

that beares a faithful hart. 

1 rather with to die, 

then hue a vaffaile flil, 
Or thrall my felfe vnto a dame 
that yeldes me no good wil. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



307 



The wormes fhal fooner feede 

vpon my happy hart, 
Within my graue, then I for loue 

of you wil fuffer fmart. 
Adue deere dames, 

the ghaftly ghofles of hel 
Shal plague your bones, 

that gloze and loue not wel. 



To his cruel Mistresse. 




lE QE loofers leaue to fpeake, 
let him that feeles the fmart 
Without controlment tel his tale, 

to eafe his heauy hart. 
To thee (proude dame) I poynt, 
who, like the beaft of Nile, 
By teares procureft thy frend to loue, 

and flaieft him all the while. 
By weeping, firft to winne, 
and after conqueft made 
To fpoyle with fpite thofe yelding ympes 

that follow Cupids trade. 
Condemnes thy cancred kinde, 

more glory were for thee 
To ranfacke none but rebel harts, 
and let the reft goe free. 



368 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Kinde wift not what the wrought 

when the fuch beuty lent 
Vnto thofe gallant limmes of thine 

to monftrous mifchiefe bent. 
For either fowler face 

file would haue yelded thee: 
Or better moode and milder minde 

to make remorfe of me. 
Thou beareft two burning brands, 

below thofe browes of thine: 
And I the brimlfone in my breft, 

which makes my hart to pine. 
Eche lowering looke of yours, 

frets farther in my hart : 
And nips me neerer then 

the force of any other dart. 
And to incresfe my care, 

thou makeft thy beutie more : 
An oyle (God wotte) vnto my fire, 

no falue to eafe my fore. 
If thou a woman were 

of ruth, and due remorfe, 
Thou wouldft allow me loue, 

and not fo proudly plague my corfe. 
I fue for mercy now, 

with hands lift vp on hie, 
Which, if I miffe, I am affurde, 

within fewe dayes to die. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 369 

And if I may not baue 

the thing I would enioy: 
I pray the gods to plague thee 

as they did the dame of Troy. 
I meane that Crefide coy 

that linkt her with a Greeke : 
And left the lufty Troyan Duke, 

of all his loue to feeke. 
And fo they wil, I truft, 

a mirror make of thee : 
That beuties darlings may beware, 

when they thy fcourge fhal fee. 
I neuer meant thee wel 

in all my life before, 
But now to plague thy foule abufe, 

I hate thee ten times more. 
For reafon willes me fo 

my frends to loue and feme, 
And cruel Ladies, like thy felfe, 

to wifli as they deferue. 
Hencefoorth, if any limme 

of mine perhap rebel, 
And thee, whom I of right mould loth, 

doe loue or fancie wel : 
I quite renounce the fame, 

he fhal no more be mine 
To vfe or ftand in Head, then 1 

doe purpofe to be thine. 



370 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



And thus, I make an end 
of loue, and lines at once. 

The frounce confume the flelli of her 
that feedes vpon my bones. 



The Author being in Mosco- 

uia, wrytes to certaine his frendes in Englande 

of the ftate of the place, not exactly, but at all 

aduentures, and minding to haue defcry- 

bed all the Mofcouites maners, brake 

off his purpofe vpon fome 

occafion. 
The three Epiftles followe. 

To his especial! Frende, master Edw 
Dancie. 



Y Dancie deere, when I 

recount within my breft 
My London frends, and wonted mates, 

and thee aboue the reft: 
I feele a thoufand fittes 
of deepe and deadly woe, 
To thinke that I from fea to land, 
from bliffe to bale did goe. 




EPITAPHS AND- SONNETS. 371 

I left my natiue foyle, 

ful like a retchleffe man, 
And vnacquainted of the coaft, 

among the Ruffles ranne. 
A people paffing rude, 

to vices vile enelinde : 
Folke fitte to be of Bacchus traine, 

fo quaffing is their kinde. 
Drinke is their whole defire, 

the pot is all their pride : 
The fobreft head doeth once a day 

Hand needeful of a guyde. 
If he to banquet bid his frends, 

he wil not fhrinke 
On them at dinner to beftow 

a dozen kindes of drinke. 
Such licour as they haue, 

and as the countrey giues: 
But cheefly two, one called Kuas, 

whereby the Mufick hues: 
Small ware and waterlike, 

but fomewhat tart in tafte : 
The reft is Meade, of hony made, 

wherewith their lips they bafte. 
And if he goe vnto 

his neighbour as a gueft, 
He cares for litle meate, if fo 

his drinke be of the belt. 

3 A 



372 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Perhaps the Moufick hath 

a gay and gallant wife: 
To feme his beaftly luft, yet he 

will leade a bowgards life. 
The monfter more defires 

a boy within his bed 
Then any wench, fuch filthy finne 

enfues a drunken head. 
The woman, to repay 

her droufie hufbands dettes, 
From {linking floue vnto her mate 

to baudy banquet gets. 
No wonder though they vfe 

fuch vile and beaftly trade, 
Sith with the hatchet and the hand, 

their chiefeft gods be made. 
Their Idolles haue their hearts, 

on God they neuer call : 
VnlefTe it be (Nichola Bough) 

that hangs againft the wall. 
The houfe that hath no God, 

or painted Saint within, 
Is not to be reforted to, 

that roofe is full of finne. 
Befides their priuate gods, 

in open places Hand 
Their croffes, vnto which they crouch, 

and bleffe themfelues with hand. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 373 

Deuoutly downe they ducke, 

with forhead to the ground : 
Was neuer more deceit in ragges, 

and greafie garments found. 
Almoft the meaneft man 

in all the countrey rides : 
The woman eke, againft our vfe, 

her trotting horfe beftrides. 
In fundry colors they 

both men and women go : 
In butkins all, that money haue 

on bufkins to bellow. 
Eche woman hanging hath 

a ring within hir eare : 
Which all of ancient vfe, and fome 

of very pride do weare. 
Their gate is very graue, 

their countenance wife and fad : 
And yet they follow flefhly lulls, 

their trade of liuing bad. 
It is no fhame at all 

accounted to defile 
Anothers bed, they make no care 

their follies to concile. 
Is not the meaneft man 

in all the land, but he 
To buy hir painted colours doth 

allow his wife a fee, 



374 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Wherewith flie decks hirfelfe, 

and dies hir tawnie fkin: 
She prancks and paints hir fmokie face, 

both browe, lip, cheeke and chin. 
Yea thofe that honeft are 

(if any fuch there bee) 
Within the land, do vfe the like, 

a man may plainly fee. 
Vpon fome womens cheekes 

the painting how it lies : 
In plafter fort, for that too thicke 

hir face the harlot dies. 
But fuch as fkilfull are, 

and cunning dames in deed, 
By daily praclife do it well, 

yea fure they do exceed. 
They lay their colours fo, 

as he that is full wife 
May eafily be deceiued therein, 

if he do truft his eies. 
I not a little mufe 

what madneffe makes them paint 
Their faces, waying how they keepe 

the ftoue by meere conflraint. 
For feklom when vnleffe 

on church or marriage clay, 
A man ihall fee the dames abrode 

that are of belt aray. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



375 



The Ruffle means to reape 

the profit of hir pride : 
And fo he mewes hir, to be fure 

flie lie by no mans fide. 
Thus much (friend Dancie) 

I did meane to write to thee : 
To let thee wite, in Ruffia land, 

what men and women bee. 
Hereafter I perhaps 

of other things will write 
To thee and other of my friends, 

which I fhall fee with fight. 
And other fluffe befides, 

which true report fhall tell : 
Meane while I end my louing lines, 
and bid thee now farewell. 



To Spencer. 



^ F I ihould now forget, 

or not remember thee : 
Thou (Spencer) mightft a foule rebuke 

and fhame impute to mee. 
For I to open fhew 

did loue thee paffing well : 
And thou were he, at parture whom 
I loathd to bid farewell. 




376 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

And as I went thy friend, 

fo I continue ftill: 
No better proofe thou canft defire 

than this of true good will. 
I do remember well 

when needs I fhould away: 
And that the poaft would licence vs, 

no longer time to flay. 
Thou wroongft me by the fift, 

and holding fait my hand, 
Didft craue of me to fend thee newes, 

and how I likte the land. 
It is a fandie foyle, 

no very fruitfull vaine : 
More waft and wooddie grounds there are 

than clofes fit for graine. 
Yet graine there growing is, 

which they vntimely take : 
And cut or ere the corne be ripe, 

they mowe it on a flake. 
And laying fheafe by fheafe, 

their harueft fo they drier 
They make the greater haft, 

for feare the froft the corne deftrie. 
For in the winter time, 

fo glarie is the ground, 
As neither graffe nor other graine 

in paftures may be found. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 377 

In comes the cattell then, 

the fheepe, the colt, the cowe : 
Fafl by his bed the Mowficke 

then a lodging doth alowe. 
Whom he with fodder feeds, 

and holds as deare as life : 
And thus they weare the Winter with 

the Mowficke and his wife. 
Eight monthes the winter dures, 

the glare it is fo great: 
As it is May before he turne 

his ground to fowe his wheate. 
The bodies eke that die, 

vnburied lie till then : 
Laid vp in coffins made of fine, 

as well the pooreft men, 
As thofe of greater ftate : 

the caufe is lightly found : 
For that in winter time 

they cannot come to breake the ground, 
And wood fo plenteous is 

quite throughout all the land, 
As rich and poore, at time of death, 

affured of coffins ftand. 
Perhaps thou mufefl much, 

how this may ftand with reafon : 
That bodies dead, can vncorrupt, 

abide fo long a feafon. 



373 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Take this for certaine troth, 

as foone as heate is gone, 
The force of cold the body bindes 

as hard as any ftone, 
Without offence at all 

to any liuing thing: 
And fo they lie in perfit ftate, 

till next returne of fpring. 
Their beafts be like to ours, 

as far as I can fee, 
For fliape and fhow, but fomwhat leffe 

of bulke and bone they bee. 
Of watrifh tafte, the flefli not firme, 

like Englifh biefe : 
And yet it femes them very well, 

and is a good reliefe. 
Their fheep are very fmall, 

fharpe fingled, handful long: 
Great ftore of fowle on fea and land, 

the moorifh reeds among. 
The greatnes of the ftore 

doth make the prices leffe : 
Befides, in all the land they know 

not how good meat to dreffe. 
They vfe neither broach nor fpit, 

but when the ftoue they heat, 
They put their vitails in a pan, 

and fo -they bake their meat. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 379 

No pewter to be had, 

no dimes but of wood : 
No vfe of trenchers, cups 

cut out of birch are very good. 
They vfe but woodden fpoones, 

which hanging in a cafe, 
Each Mowficke at his girdle ties, 

and thinks it no diigrace. 
With whittles two or three, 

the better man the mo : 
The chiefeft Ruffles in the land, 

with fpone and kniues do go. 
Their houfes are not huge 

of building, but they fay 
They plant them in the loftieft ground, 

to fhift the mow away : 
Which in the Winter time 

eche where full thicke doth lie : 
Which makes them haue the more defire 

to fet their houfes hie. 
No ftone worke is in vfe, 

their roofes of rafters bee : 
One linked in another fad, 
their wals are all of tree. 
Of maftes both long and large, 
with moffe put in betweene, 
To keep the force of weather out : 
I neuer earft haue feene 

3 B 



380 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

A groffe deuife fo good : 

and on the roofe they lay 
The burthen barke, to rid the raine 

and hidden fhowres away. 
In euery roome a (ftoue) 

to ferue the winter turne : 
Of wood they haue fuffifing ftore, 

as much as they can burne. 
They haue no Englifh glaffe : 

of flices of a rocke, 
Hight Sluda, they their windowes make, 

that Englifh glaffe doth mocke. 
They cut it very thin, 

and fowe it with a threed, 
In pretie order like to panes, 
to ferue their prefent need. 
No other glaffe, good faith, 
doth giue a better light : 
And fure the rocke is nothing rich, 

the coft is very flight. 
The chiefeft place is that 

where hangs the God by it: 
The owner of the houfe himfelfe 

doth neuer vfe to fit, 
Vnleffe his better come, 

to whom he yeelds the feat : 
The Itranger bending to the god, 
the ground with browe muft beat. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 381 

And in that very place, 

which they moft facred deeme, 
The ftranger lies, a token that 

his guefl he doth efteeme. 
Where he is woont to haue 

a Beares fkin for his bed : 
And mufl in ftead of pillow 

clap his faddle to his hed. 
In Ruffia other fhift 

there is not to be had : 
For where the bedding is not good, 

the bolfters are but bad. 
I mufed very much 

what made them fo to lie, 
Sith in their countrey downe is rife, 

and feathers out of cry. 
Vnleffe it be becaufe 

the countrey is fo hard : 
They feare by nicenes of a bed, 

their bodies would be marde. 
I wifht thee oft with vs, 

faue that I ftoode in feare 
Thou wouldft haue loathed to haue Iayd 

thy limmes vpon a beare, 
As I and Stafford did, 

that was my make in bed : 
And yet we thanke the God of heauen, 

we both right wel haue fped. 



382 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Loe, thus I make an end, 

none other newes to thee, 
But that the countrey is too colde, 

the people beaftly be. 
I write not all I know, 

I touch but here and there : 
For if I fhould, my pen would pinch, 

and eke offend, I feare. 
Who fo fhal reade this verfe, 

conieelure of the reft : 
And thinke by reafon of our trade, 

that I doe thinke the belt. 
But if no traffick were, 

then could I boldly pen 
The hardnes of the foyle, 

and eke the manners of the men. 
They fay the Lyons pawe 

geues iudgement of the beafh : 
And fo may you deeme of the great 

by reading of the leaft. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



383 



To Parker. 




Y Parker, paper, pen 

and inke were made to write, 
And idle heads that litle doe, 

haue leyfure to indite : 
Wherfore, refpe&ing thefe, 

and thine affured loue, 



If I would write no newes to thee 

thou mightft my pen reprooue. 
And Athens fortune thus 

hath flioued my fliip from fhore, 
And made me feeke another Realme, 

vnfeene of me before : 
The manners of the men 

I purpofe to declare, 
And other priuate points befide, 

which ftrange and geafon are. 
The Ruffle men are round 

of bodies, fully faft 
The greatefl part with bellies big, 

that ouerhang the waft. 
Flat headed for the moft, 

with faces nothing faire, 
But browne by reafon of the ftoue, 

and clofenes of the ayre. 



384 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

It is their common vfe, 

to fhaue or els to fheare 
Their heads : for none in all the land 

long lolling lockes do weare, 
Vnlefle perhaps he haue 

his foueraigne Prince difpleafde : 
For then he neuer cuts his heare, 

vntil he be appeafde. 
A certaine figne to know 

who in difpleafure be: 
For euery man that vewes his head 

wil fay, loe this is he. 
And during all the time, 

he lets his locks to grow, 
Dares no man for his life 

to him a face of frendfhip fhow. 
Their garments be not gay, 

nor handfome to the eye : 
A cap aloft their heads they haue, 

that ftandeth very hie, 
Which (Colpack) they doe tearme : 

they weare no ruffes at al, 
The beft haue collars fet with pearle, 

Rubafca they doe call. 
Their fhirts in Ruffle long, 

they worke them downe before 
And on the fleeues with coloured filkes, 

two ynches good or more. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 385 

Aloft their fliirts they weare 

a garment iocket wife, 
Hight Onoriadka, and about 

his hourly waft he ties 
His Portkies, which in (lead 

of better breeches be. 
Of linnen cloth that garment is, 

no codpeece is to fee : 
A paire of yornen ftockes 

to keepe the cold away, 
Within his bootes the Ruffle weares, 

the heeles they vnderlay 
With clouting clamps of fteele, 

fliarpe pointed at the toes: 
And ouer all a Suba furde, 

and thus the Ruffle goes. 
Wei butned is the Sube, 

according to his ftate, 
Some Hike, of filuer other fome, 

but thofe of pooreft rate 
Doe weare no Subes at all, 

but grofler gownes to fight : 
That reacheth downe beneath the calfe, 

and that Armacha hight. 
Thefe are the Ruffles robes, - 

the richeft vfe to ride 
From place to place, his feruant runnes 

and followes by his fide. 



386 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

The Caffocke beares his fealt, 

to force away the raine: 
Their bridles are not very braue, 

their faddles are but plaine. 
No bittes, but fnaffels all, 

of byrche their faddles be : 
Much fafhioned like the Scottifh feates, 

broad flaxs to keepe the knee 
From fweating of the horfe: 

the pannels larger farre 
And broader be than ours: 

they vfe fhort flirrops for the warre, 
For when the Ruffie is 

purfude by cruell foe 
He rides away, and fodenly 

betakes him to his bowe. 
And bendes me but about 

in faddle as he fits, 
And therewithall amid his race, 

his following foe he hittes. 
Their bowes are very fhort, 

like Turky bowes outright: 
Of finewes made with byrchen barke, 

in cunning maner dight. 
Small arrowes, cruel heads, 

that fel and forked be : 
Which being fhot from out thofe bowes 

a cruel wayes wil flee. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 387 

They feldome fhooe their horfe, 

vnlefle they vfe to ride 
In poaft vpon the frozen floods, 

then caufe they fhal not Aide 
He fets a llender calke, 

and fo he rides his way. 
The horfes of the countrey goe 

good fourefcore veorfts a day, 
And all without the fpurre: 

once prick them and they fkip, 
But goe not forward on their way. 

The Ruffie hath his whip 
To rap him on the ribs, 

for though all booted be, 
Yet fhal you not a paire of fpurs 

in all the countrey fee. 
The common game is cheffe, 

almofl the fimpleft wil 
Both geue a checke and eke a mate : 

by pra6life comes their fkil. 
Againe the dice as faft, 

the poorefl roges of all 
Wil fit them downe in open field 

and there to gaming fall. 
Their dice are very fmall, 

in fafhion like to thofe 
Which we doe vfe, he takes them vp, 

and ouer thumbe he throwes, 

3 c 



388 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Not fhaking them awhit, 

they call fufpicioufly : 
And yet I deeme them voyd of arte, 

that dicing moll apply. 
At playe when filuer lackes, 

goes laddie, horfe and all : 
And each thing els worth filuer walkes, 

although the price be fmall. 
Becaufe thou louell to play, 

frend Parker, otherwhile 
I wilh thee there, the weary day, 

with dicing to beguile. 
But thou were better farre 

at home, I will it wel, 
And wouldll been loath among fuch loutes 

fo long a time to dwel. 
Then iudge of vs thy frends, 

what kind of life we had, 
That neere the frozen pole to wall 

our weary dayes were glad. 
In fuch a fauage foyle, 

where lawes doe beare no fway, 
But all is at the King his wil, 

to faue or els to Hay. 
And that faunce caufe God wot, 

if fo his minde be fuch, 
But what meane I with kings to deale, 

we ought no Saints to touch. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 380 

Conceaue the reft your felfe, 

and deeme what hues they leade: 
Where luft is law, and fubiectes liue 

continually in dread. 
And where the beft eftates 

haue none affurance good 
Of lands, of hues, nor nothing falles 

vnto the next of bloud. 
But all of cuftome doeth 

vnto the Prince redowne, 
And all the whole reuenue comes 

vnto the King his crowne. 
Good faith, I fee thee mufe 

at what I tel thee now, 
But true it is, no choyce, 

but all at Princes pleafure bowe. 
So Tarquine ruled Rome, 

as thou remembreft well : 
And what his fortune was at laft, 

I know thy felfe canft tell. 
Where will in common weale 

doth beare the onely fway, 
And luft is law, the prince and realme 

muft needs in time decay. 
The ftrangenefle of the place is fuch, 

for fundry things I fee : 
As if I would, I cannot write 

each priuate point to thee. 



390 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

The cold is rare, the people rude, 

the prince fo full of pride : 
The realm fo fiord with monks and nunnes, 

and priefts on euery fide. . 
The maners are fo Turkylike, 

the men fo full of guile, 
The women wanton, temples fluft 

with idols that defile 
The feats that facred ought to be : 

the cuftoms are fo quaint, 
As if I would defcribe the whole, 

I feare my pen would faint. 
In fumme I fay, I neuer faw 

a prince that fo did raigne : 
Nor people fo befet with Saints, 

yet all but vile and vaine. 
Wild Irifli are as ciuil as 

the Ruffles in their kind: 
Hard choice which is the beft of both, 

each bloodie, rude, and blind. 
If thou be wife, as wife thou art, 

and wilt be rulde by mee, 
Liue ftill at home, and couet not 

thofe barbarous coafls to fee. 
No good befals a man that feekes, 

and finds no better place: 
No ciuil cuftoms to be learnd, 

where God beftowes no grace. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 391 

And truly ill they do deferue 

to be beloued of God, 
That neither loue, nor Hand in awe 

of his allured rod. 
Which (thogh be long) yet plagues at lad 

the vile and beaftly fort 
Of finfull wights, that all in vice 

do place their chiefeft fport. 
Adieu, friend Parker, if thou hit 

to know the Ruffles well, 
To Sigifmundus booke repaire, 

who all the truth can tell. 
For he long earft in meffage went 

vnto that fauage king, 
Sent by the Pole, and true report 

in each refpecl did bring. 
To him I recommend my felfe, 

to eafe my pen of paine : 
And now at laft do wifh thee well, 

and bid farewell againe. 



392 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



To his Friend Nicholas Roscarock, to induce 
him to take a Wife. 




OSCAROCKE, fith my raging prime is part, 
And riper age with reafons learned lore, 
Well ftaied hath my wits that went fo faff, 
And coold the heat that hent my breft of yore 
I cannot choofe but write fome folemne fluffe 
For thee to read, when thou art in thy ruffe. 



I fee thee mufe what mould the matter be, 
Whereof I meane to treate, thou biteft thy lip, 
And bendfl thy browe as though I were not he 
That had a tricke my Corniih friend to trip: 
Well, to be fhort, it toucheth manage vow, 
An order which my felfe haue entred now. 



A facred yoke, a ftate of mickle praife, 
A blefled band, belikt of God and man, 
And fuch a life, as if in former dayes 
I had but knowen, as now commend I can, 
Good faith, I would not wafted fo my prime 
In wanton wife, and fpent an idle time. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 393 

An idle time, as fundry gallants vfe, 
I meane my London mates, that treade the ftreete, 
And golden wits with fond conceits abufe, 
And bale deuifes fane for fuch vnmeet. 
Leauing the law, and catling bookes afide, 
Wherbv in time you mought your countries guide. 

Your daily praelife is to beat the bufh, 
Where beauties birds do lodge themfelues to lie : 
You fhoote at fhapes and faces deare a rufh, 
And bende your bowes, your feeble ftrengths to trie. 
Of clofure you fomtimes do common make, 
And where you lift, abroad your pleafures take. 

You count it but a game to graffe the home 
That inward growes, and feldom fhowes without : 
The filly man you fkoffe and laugh to fkorne, 
And for his patience deeme him but a lout. 
By day you gaze vpon your Ladies lookes, 
By night vou gad to hang your baited hookes. 

Thus do you lauilh frolike youth away 
With idle words not woorth a parched peafe, 
And like to wanton colts that run aftray, 
You leape the pale, and into euery leafe. 
Where fitter far it were to marry wiues, 
And well difpofd to lead more fober hues. 



394 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Reuolt in time, leaft tyme repentance bring, 
Let each enioy his lawfull wedded mate, 
Or elfe be fure, your felues in time fhall ling 
The felfefame note, and rue your harmes too late. 
For commonly the wrong that we entend, 
Lights on our heads and fhoulders in the end. 

Perhaps thou wouldft as willing wedded be, 
As I my felfe and many other moe : 
But that thou canfl no perfit beautie fee, 
For which thou wilt thy fingle life forgoe. 
Both yoongand faire, with wealth and goods thou feekft, 
Such one the is, whom thou Rofcarocke leekft. 

Be rulde by me, let giddy fanfie go, 
Imbrace a wife, with wealth and coyne enough: 
Force not the face, regard not feature fo, 
An aged grandame that maintains the plough, 
And brings thee bags, is woorth a thoufand peates 
That pranck their pates, and hue by Spanifh meates. 

That one contents hir felf with now and than, 
Right glad if fhe might fit at Uenus merle 
Once in the moneth, the youthful] Damfell can 
Not fo be pleafd, hir rage mult haue redreffe 
As oft as pleafure pricks hir lims to luft, 
Els all the matter lies amid the dull. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Wherfore I iudge the bed and wifeft way 
Were wife to wed, and leaue to range at will : 
In maried life there is allured flay, 
Where otherwife to follow euery Gill 
Breeds wracke of wealth, of credit, eafe, and blifle, 
And makes men run their races quite amiffe. 



395 



E.rperto credere tittum ejl. 



A Gentlewomans excuse for executing vn 
lawfull partes of Loue. 




AARST Sylla tooke no lhame, for Minos fake 
Hir father Nyfus purple pate to fheare, 
Medea for the loue of Iafon brake 
The bands of kind, and flew hir brother deare, 
Forwent hir worthy Sire, and kingly crowne, 
And followed him the rouer vp and dovvne. 



For Thefeus when in Labirinth he lay 
In dread of death, the monfter was fo nie, 
Faire Ariadna did deuife a way 
To faue his life, vnleffe that Ouid lie : 
And yet the beaft, hir brother was in deed, 
(Whom Thefeus flue) and fprang of Minos feed. 



3 D 



396 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

At fiege of Troy whileft Agamemnon fought, 
Aegiftheus wan Queene Clitemneftras hart, 
So as when he returnd and little thought 
Of death, this dame began to play hir part. 
She flew the prince to folow former hilt, 
And thought, the fact to be exceeding iuft. 

Faire Phyllis flew hir felfe, vnhappy dame, 
Through loue: and did not Dydo do the like 
For Prince Aeneas, who to Carthage came, 
When he was forft, by fhowres, the fhore to feeke ? 
What more vnkindly parts can man deuife, 
Than Queens for loue their honors to defpife? 

Now iudge my cafe, my fault vprightly fcan, 
Deeme my defart, by this it may be geft, 
I am by nature made to loue a man, 
As Syria, Phyllis, Dido, and the reft: 
If they and I haue done amiffe for loue, 
Let kind be blamd, that thereunto did mooue. 

The wifeji men, as far re as I can fee, 
Haue been enthrald through hue as icellas ive. 

Amor vince ogni cofa. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



397 



Of his Constancie. 




E way not waxe, for all his gallant hew, 
Bicaufe it vades and melts againft the tire: 
We more regard a rocke of marble blew, 
For that no force doth caufe it to retire. 
The builder makes his full account, that it 
Will firmly Hand at a (lay, and neuer flit. 



So may you (fvveete) be fure, that my good will 
Is no good will of waxe, to watte away : 
When fond defire of fanfie hath his fill, 
My loue is like the marble for his flay: 
Build thereupon, and you fhall furely find, 
No blaft of chance to change my fledfaft mind. 

Blacke fhall you fee the fnow on mountains hie, 
The fifh fhall feed vpon the barren fand, 
The fea flial fhrinke, and leaue the Dolphins dry, 
No plant fhall prooue vpon the fencelefTe land, 
The Tems flial turne, the Sunne thai lofe his light, 
Ere I to thee become a faithlefle wiffht. 



/ neither am nor meane to bee, 
None other than IJeeme to thee. 



398 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



The Authors Epilogue. 




O here the end of all my worke, 

behold the threed I drew 
Is wrought to cloth, accomplifht now 
you fee this flender clew. 
■)MM* A peece (God wot) of little price, 



fcarce woorth the Readers paine 
And in mine owne conceit 

a booke of barren verfe and vaine. 
I blufh to let it out at large 

for Sages to perufe: 
For that the common cuftome is, 

in bookes to gape for newes. 
And matter of importance great, 

which either may delite 
By pleafure, or with fad aduife 

the readers paynes requite. 
But this of mine fo maymed is, 

for lacke of learned ftile 
And Itately fhuffe, as fure I mail 

the readers hope beguile, 
Who doth expect fome rare report 

of former ancient deedes : 
Or new deuice but lately wrought, 

that breatheth yet and bleedes. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 399 

But truely none of both in thefe 

my verfes is to fincle : 
My flender fhip hath kept the fhore, 

for feare of boyflrous winde. 
I bore ray fimple fayles but lowe, 

I dreaded fodaine fhowers : 
Which fundry times from hauty Ikies 

the puifant ruler powers. 
I durft not ftir amid the flreame, 

the chanel was too deepe: 
Which made me haue the more regard 

about the bankes to keepe. 
It is for mighty hulkes to dare 

aduenture out fo farre: 
And barkes of biggeft fife, 

and fuch as builded be for warre. 
I write but of familiar ftuffe, 

becaufe my ftile is lowe : 
I feare to wade in weighty works, 

or part my reach to rowe. 
Which if I mould, the Reader might 

as boldly blame my quil: 
As now I truft he flial accept 

my fhew of great good wil. 
Though diuers write with fuller phrafe, 

and farre more hawty ftile : 
And burnifh out their golden bookes 

with fine and learned file : 



400 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Yet meaner Mufes mud not lurke, 

but each in his degree 
That meaneth wel, and doth his befl, 

mull wel regarded be. 
Though Nilus for his bignes beare 

away the greateft name, 
Whofe feuenfold llream hath gaind the gulfe 

of fuch a lafting fame : 
Yet mull not leffer lakes be loft, 

nor had in vile account, 
That feme for vfe and eafe of man, 

though Nilus doe furmount. 
Great Alexander mighty was 

and dreadful in the warre: 
Yet thats no caufe why Rome mould not 

of Csefar boaft as farre. 
The Planets are the pride of heauen, 

and cheefeft lampes of light: 
Yet other ftarres doe yelde a fhew, 

and helpe to cleere the night. 
Likewife though diuers write in verfe, 

and doe exceeding wel : 
The remnant muft not be refufde, 

becaufe they doe excel!. 
Ill may we miffe the flender fhrubs 

for all the princely Pine: 
No more we fcorne the bafer drinkes 

though moft we way the wine. 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 401 

Which makes me hope that though 

my Mufe doth yelde but (lender found, 
And though my culter fcarcely cuts, 

or breakes the marble ground : 
Yet fithens that I meant with verfe 

to feede the Readers eyes, 
And to that purpofe bent my braines 

thefe fancies to deuife. 
I truft he takes it wel in worth, 

and beares with what he findes, 
And thereunto the Reader aye 

the writers trauaile bindes : 
Which if he doe I haue my hire, 

who happy then but I? 
That wrote this worke for grateful men, 

to vewe with thankfull eye. 
And fo I giue the congee now, 
with with that this my booke 
Be fuch as may thy fprites delight, 

that hapneft here to looke. 
Ill were my fortune if in all 
this treatife as it ftandes, 
There mould be nothing worth the vew 

when fo it comes to hand. 
Rofcarockes warrant thai fuffife, 

who likte the writing fo, 
As did embolden me to let 
the leaues at large to goe. 



402 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

If il fucceede, the blame was his 

who might haue kept it backe : 
And frendly tolde me that my booke 

his due deuife did lacke. 
But as it is, loe there it goes, 

for euery one to vew: 
The man that each ones humor pleafde, 

as yet I neuer knew. 
Sufficeth if the courtly fort 

whofe doome is deepe in deede, 
Accompt it ought, with bafer wits 

I care not how it fpeede. 
The courtier knowes what bell becomes 

in euery kind of cafe : 
His nature is, what fo he doth 

to decke with gallant grace. 
The greateft clarkes in other artes 

can hardly doe the leeke: 
For learning fundry times is there 

where iudgement is to feeke. 




EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 



403 




The Authors excuse for writing these 

and other Fancies, with promise of 

grauer matter hereafter. 

ORDINGS, allow my light and lewde deuife, 
And Ladies, ye that are of greateft ftate, 
Beare with my bookes, imputing nought to vice 
That I haue pende in youth, nor now of late : 
My prime prouokt my hafty idle quil 
To write of loue, when I did meane no ill. 
Two things in cheefe did moue me thus to write, 
And made me deeme it none offence at all: 
Firft Ouids works bedeckt with deepe delight, 
Whom we of Poets fecond bell doe call. 
I found him full of amours euery where: 
Each leafe of loue the title eke did beare. 

Then next I liued in place among the moe, 
Where fond affection bore the cheefeft fway, 
And where the blinded archer with his bow 
Did glaunce at fundry gallants euery day: 
And being there, although my minde were free, 
Yet muft I feerae loue wounded eke to be. 

I fawe how fome did feeke their owne mifliap, 
And hunted dayly to deuoure the hookes 
That beuty bayted, and were caught in trap, 
Like wilfull wights that fed on womens lookes: 

3 E 



404 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Who being once entangled in the line, 

Did yelde themfelues, and were content to pine. 

Some other minding leaf! to follow loue, 
By haunting where dame Uenus darlings dwelt, 
By force were ford Cupidos coales to prooue, 
Whofe burning brands did make their minds to melt. 
So as they were compeld by meere mifchaunce, 
As others did, to follow on the daunce. 

Some eke there were that groapt but after gaine, 
That faynd to frie and burne with blooming heate 
Of raging loue and counterfetted paine, 
When they (God wot) had flender caufe to treate : 
But all was done to make their Ladies deeme 
How greatly they their beuties did efteeme. 

And then (O gods) to vew their greeful cheeres, 
And liften to their fonde lamenting cries, 
To fee their cheekes deepe dented in with teares, 
That day and night powred out from painful eyes, 
Would make a heart of marble melt for woe, 
That fawe their plights, and did their forowes know. 

And all for lacke of ruthe and due remorfe, 
Their cruel Ladies bore fo hard a hand, 
And they (poore men) conftraynd to loue perforce, 
And fruitleffe cleane to fowe the barrain fand : 
That vnto me, who priuie was of all, 
It was a death, and grieued me to the gall. 

Then for my friends (as diuers loued me well) 
Endite I mufl fome light deuife of loue, 



EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 405 

And in the fame my friends affection tell, 
Whom nothing mousjht from beauties bar remooue : 
My pen mult plead the fillie Suters cafe, 
I had my hire, fo he mought purchafe grace. 

Some othenvhile, when beautie bred difdaine, 
And feature forft a pride in hawtie bred, 
So as my friend was caufeleffe put to paine, 
And for good will might purchace (lender reft : 
Then muft my quill to quarels flatly fall, 
Yet keep the meane twixt fweete and fower brail. 

Somtimes I muft commend their beauties much 
That neuer came where any beautie lay, 
Againe fomwhiles my mates would haue me tutch 
The quicke, bicaufe they had receiued the nay : 
And thus my pen, as change of matter grew, 
Was forft to grief, or els for grace to fue. 

Thus did T deale for others pleafure long, 
(As who could well refufe to do the like?) 
And for my felf fomtimes would write among 
As he that liues with men of war muft ftrike. 
I would deuife a Sonet to a dame, 
And all to make my fullen humor game. 

So long I wrote, fo oft my friends did fue, 
So many were the matters, as at laft 
The whole vnto a hanfome volume grewe : 
Then to the preffe they muft in all the haft, 
Mauger my beard, my mates would haue it fo, 
Whom to relift it was in vaine, you know. 



406 EPITAPHS AND SONNETS. 

Thefe caufes forft my harmeles hand to write, 
And no defire I had to treate of ill : 
Who doth not know that youthfull heads delight 
Sometimes to fliewe the quientnes of their quil ? 
But pardon (Lordings) what is pail and done, 
I purpofe now a better race to runne. 

I meane no more with loues deuife to deale, 
I neuer wil to wanton Uenus bowe, 
From Cupids court to Pallas I appeale, 
Iuno be iudge whom I doe honor now : 
Hie time it is for him to blow retreate, 
And leaue to loue whom felfe rod now doth beate. 

Wherfore, goe (wanton) truffe vp all your trafh, 
Fancy, farewel, to grauer gods I goe 
Then loue and Uenus : cleane my hands I wafh 
Of vayne defires that youth enrageth fo. 
Vertue doth farre furmount fuch filthy vice: 
Amend, my mates, or els you know the price. 

Vtile conjiliitm eftjceuas extinguere jlammas, 
Qui non eft hodie, eras minus optus erit. 



FINIS. 



EDINBURGH PRINTING COMPANY. 



